Unit Plan 5 (Grade 1 Art): Shapes Everywhere

Focus: Use shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, etc.) intentionally to build simple compositions, noticing how shapes can be combined to make objects, places, and designs.

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 become shape detectives and shape builders. They look for shapes in the classroom and in picture examples, then practice using basic shapes as building blocks to create houses, people, animals, and whole scenes. Students learn that shapes are one of the most important elements of art and that artists can choose shapes on purpose to organize their pictures. By the end, students can say which shapes they used, how they combined them, and how shapes helped them make a clear, interesting composition.

Essential Questions

• Where do we see shapes in the world around us and in artwork?
• How can we use basic shapes to build pictures of objects, people, and places?
• How does using shapes on purpose help make artwork clearer and more organized?
• How can shapes help us fill space and make our artwork more interesting to look at?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, etc.) in the classroom and in artworks.
2. Use shapes intentionally to build simple pictures (e.g., house, person, animal, city, robot).
3. Create a “Shapes Everywhere” composition that uses shapes to fill space and show clear subjects.
4. Add color and simple details on top of shape “building blocks” to complete an artwork.
5. Use simple language to explain which shapes they used and what they were trying 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.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can find and name shapes in my classroom and in pictures.
• I can use shapes on purpose to build a picture (like a house, person, or animal).
• I can fill my page with shapes so my picture is clear and not all in one corner.
• I can add color and details to my shapes to finish my artwork.
• I can tell a partner which shapes I used and what I was trying to show.