Unit Plan 25 (Grade 1 Art): Planning a New Idea

Focus: Create a simple sketch plan before beginning a final artwork, using drawings and quick ideas to think ahead.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, first graders learn that artists often plan first and create later. Instead of jumping straight into a final picture, students practice making quick sketches of their ideas to decide what they want to draw, where things will go, and what details matter most. They see that planning can help them feel more confident when they start their “real” artwork. By the end, students can make a simple sketch plan for a new idea and explain how it will guide their final piece.

Essential Questions

• What is a plan or sketch, and how is it different from a finished artwork?
• How can making a quick drawing first help me make a better final picture?
• What decisions can I make in my plan (who, what, where, size, placement)?
• How does planning help artists feel more ready before they begin?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explain that a sketch is a quick drawing used to plan an idea before making a final artwork.
2. Create simple sketch plans that show what they want to include (people, objects, setting) and where things will go.
3. Make choices in their sketch about size, placement, and important details.
4. Use their sketch plan as a map when beginning a final piece of artwork.
5. Share their plan with a partner using simple sentence starters (“My plan shows…,” “In my final picture, I will…”).

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• 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 tell the difference between a sketch and a finished picture.
• I can make a quick plan drawing before I start my final artwork.
• I can show where things will go in my plan (top, bottom, middle).
• I can use my plan to help me start my final picture.
• I can tell a partner what my plan is about and what I will do next.