Unit Plan 30 (Grade 2 Art): Artist Reflection Writing
Grade 2 students write and share simple artist reflections explaining what their artwork shows, the personal experience or interest behind it, and how color, details, and placement help communicate their idea.
Focus: Write and share simple artist reflections that explain what a finished artwork is about, why it was made (personal experience or interest), and how design choices (color, subject, details) help show that idea.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Connecting • Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students become “artist authors” by writing short reflections about artwork they have already created (for example, a personal story picture or another recent project). They think about what they wanted to show, which personal experience or interest inspired the piece, and what choices they made with color, details, and composition to communicate that idea. With sentence frames and drawing supports, students create a simple written or dictated artist reflection and practice sharing it aloud. By the end, they understand that explaining their artwork helps others see the connection to their lives and notice their design decisions.
Essential Questions
- How can I explain what my artwork is about and why I made it?
- How do my experiences and interests show up in my art?
- How do choices like color, details, and where I put things help tell my story or idea?
- Why is it important for artists to share and talk about their artwork with others?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify at least one personal experience or interest that inspired a finished artwork.
- Use sentence frames and word banks to write or dictate a short artist reflection (2–4 ideas) about their piece.
- Explain at least one design choice (such as color, detail, or placement) and how it helps show their idea or feeling.
- Include key information in their reflection: what the artwork shows, why they made it, and how they tried to show that idea.
- Share their reflection with a partner or small group, listening respectfully to others’ artist statements.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cn10.5a — Create artwork inspired by personal experiences or interests and explain those influences.
- Example: Students design artwork reflecting family traditions.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can say what my artwork is about.
- I can tell how a real experience or interest from my life helped me choose my idea.
- I can explain at least one choice I made (color, details, or placement) and why I chose it.
- I can write or say a short artist reflection using sentence frames.
- I can share my artist reflection and listen to others with respect.