Unit Plan 4 (Grade 1 Art): Lines in Motion

Focus: Explore different kinds of lines (straight, curved, zigzag, wavy, spiral) and use them on purpose to show movement, while also noticing how lines make artwork more interesting to look at.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating • Responding)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, first graders discover how lines can move across the page and make artwork feel fast, slow, bouncy, or calm. They experiment with many different line types and directions, then create “lines in motion” artworks that show things like running, dancing, swirling wind, or rolling waves. Students also practice looking at simple line-based artworks and describing how the elements of art, especially line and color, make them more exciting or interesting. By the end, they can say which kinds of lines they used, what kind of movement they tried to show, and how lines help artwork feel alive.

Essential Questions

• What are different kinds of lines, and how can they move across the page?
• How can lines show movement—fast, slow, bouncy, or swirling?
• How do lines and colors make artwork more interesting to look at?
• How can I use lines on purpose to show motion in my own art?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and draw different types of lines (straight, curved, zigzag, wavy, spiral, dashed).
2. Use lines intentionally to show different kinds of movement (fast vs. slow, up vs. down, swirling, jumping).
3. Create at least one “Lines in Motion” artwork that uses lines and color on purpose to suggest motion.
4. Look at simple artworks and describe how lines (and sometimes color) make them more interesting or expressive.
5. Share with a partner which kinds of lines they used and what kind of movement or feeling they wanted to show.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.1a — Use elements of art (line, shape, color, texture) to create artwork with intention.
  • Example: Students use curved lines to show movement.
• VA:Re7.1a — Describe how elements of art make artwork interesting.
  • Example: Students explain how bright colors make artwork exciting.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can draw different kinds of lines (straight, curvy, zigzag, wavy, spiral).
• I can use lines on purpose to show movement in my picture.
• I can add color to help my lines feel more exciting or calm.
• I can look at a picture and say how the lines and colors make it interesting.
• I can tell a partner what kind of movement I tried to show with my lines in motion.