Unit Plan 27 (Grade 1 Art): Preparing Artwork for Display

Focus: Organize and prepare artwork for display by mounting, organizing, and labeling with name and title.

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 learn how artists get their work ready to share with others. Students explore what it means to prepare artwork for display by writing their name, giving their piece a simple title, and helping to organize where and how it will be shown. They practice mounting artwork neatly on background paper and adding labels that help viewers know who made it and what it is called. By the end, students understand that careful organizing and labeling show respect for their own art and make it easier for others to enjoy.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to prepare artwork for display?
• Why is it important to put my name and a title on my artwork?
• How can neat mounting and organizing help people look at artwork more easily?
• How does preparing art for display help us feel proud of our work?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explain why it is important to write their name on their artwork.
2. Create a simple title for their artwork that tells what it is about.
3. Mount artwork neatly on background paper (lining up corners and smoothing glue).
4. Help organize artwork for a small classroom display (e.g., straight rows, groups, or themes).
5. Use a simple label format (name + title) to prepare their artwork for display.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Pr5.1a — Prepare artwork for display by organizing and labeling it.
  • Example: Students write their name and title on artwork.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write my name on my artwork.
• I can think of a simple title for my picture.
• I can help mount my artwork neatly on background paper.
• I can help organize artwork so it is easy to see.
• I can make a label that shows my name and my artwork’s title.