Unit Plan 14 (Grade 1 Art): My Story in Art
First grade students plan and sketch artwork inspired by personal experiences, then create a final piece that clearly shows their real-life story through thoughtful details.
Focus: Plan and create artwork inspired by a personal experience, using simple sketches to get ideas ready before making a final piece.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Connecting/Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders learn that their own lives are powerful sources of art ideas. Students think about special moments—like family time, playing with friends, moving to a new place, a trip, or a feeling they remember—and turn those memories into picture plans. They practice making simple sketches to show who was there, where they were, and what was happening before starting a final artwork. By the end, students can explain which personal experience inspired their art and how their picture tells their story.
Essential Questions
- How can my own life and experiences give me ideas for artwork?
- Why is it helpful to make a sketch or plan before I start my final picture?
- What details do I need to add so someone can see what is happening in my story?
- How can I explain the connection between my artwork and my personal experience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Think of at least one personal experience (event, moment, or feeling) to use as an idea for artwork.
- Describe their chosen experience using simple sentences (who, where, what happened).
- Create a simple sketch or plan that shows the main parts of their story (characters, setting, action) before starting a final artwork.
- Use their plan to create a final drawing that clearly shows a personal story in art.
- Explain how their artwork is connected to their own experience.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cn10.1a — Create artwork inspired by personal experiences and explain those connections.
- Example: Students draw a family event and describe it.
- VA:Cr1.1b — Create simple plans or sketches before beginning a final artwork.
- Example: Students sketch an idea before painting.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can think of a real event or moment from my life to use as an art idea.
- I can make a quick sketch that shows who was there, where we were, and what we were doing.
- I can use my sketch to help me make a final artwork.
- I can tell someone what personal experience my artwork is about.
- I can explain how my picture shows my story in art.