Unit Plan 23 (Grade 1 Art): My Art Checklist

Focus: Evaluate artwork using simple criteria such as neatness, use of color, and use of space to talk about art and make improvements.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, first graders learn how to use a simple art checklist to look at their own artwork like real artists do. Instead of just saying “I’m done,” students check for neat coloring, clear picture, and using color and space thoughtfully. They practice using the checklist to talk about what they like in their artwork and what they might improve next time. By the end, students can use simple criteria and checklist icons to evaluate their own work and share one strength and one next step.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to use a checklist to look at artwork?
• How can simple criteria like neatness, use of color, and use of space help me talk about art?
• How can a checklist help me decide if my artwork is ready to share?
• Why is it helpful for artists to think about what they like and what they might change next time?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use simple words and icons (neat, color, space, clear picture) to evaluate artwork.
2. Use an art checklist to look at their own artwork before calling it “done.”
3. Say at least one thing they like about their own or a classmate’s artwork.
4. Identify at least one thing to improve next time (e.g., neater coloring, filling more space).
5. Share their checklist thinking with a partner using simple sentence starters.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Re9.1a — Use simple criteria such as neatness and use of color to talk about artwork.
  • Example: Students say what they like about a classmate’s artwork.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use a checklist to look at my artwork.
• I can talk about neatness, color, and space when I look at art.
• I can say one thing I like about my artwork.
• I can say one thing to work on next time.
• I can use my checklist before I say, “I’m done.”