Unit Plan 35 (Grade 1 Art): Exhibition Showcase
Grade 1 Art: Students present artwork in a class exhibition and describe how display choices—like height, location, and background—affect how it looks to viewers.
Focus: Present artwork in a class exhibition and describe how display choices affect how artwork looks to viewers.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders take part in an Exhibition Showcase of their chosen artworks. Students practice looking at the final display and noticing how their artwork looks on a bulletin board, wall, or other space. They learn simple ways to describe display choices—such as high or low, close together or spread out, plain or colorful background—and how those choices affect what people see and notice. They also practice introducing their artwork to visitors and talking about where it is displayed. By the end, students can describe how their artwork looks in its exhibition spot and explain one reason that display choice works well.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to showcase artwork in an exhibition?
- How does artwork look different when it is displayed in different places or ways?
- How can I describe where my artwork is and how it looks on the wall, board, or table?
- How can I introduce my artwork to visitors and help them enjoy the exhibition?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Locate their own artwork in the exhibition and describe where it is displayed (wall, board, high, low, middle).
- Use simple words to describe how their artwork looks in that place (stands out, blends in, bright, easy to see).
- Compare how artwork might look in different spots (e.g., wall vs. table, high vs. low).
- Give a short “exhibition talk” to a partner or small group, introducing their artwork and where it is displayed.
- Show respectful behavior as both a presenter and a viewer during the Exhibition Showcase.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr6.1a — Describe how artwork looks when displayed in different places.
- Example: Students notice how artwork stands out on a bulletin board.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can find my artwork and tell where it is (on the wall, board, high, low).
- I can use simple words to say how my artwork looks in that place.
- I can compare how artwork might look in another place.
- I can give a short talk about my artwork and where it is displayed.
- I can act respectfully when I look at and listen to others during the exhibition.