Unit Plan 2 (Grade 2 Art): Brainstorm & Sketch
Grade 2 art unit where students generate ideas through sketches based on observations, stories, and personal experiences to plan future artworks.
Focus: Generate artistic ideas through drawing and planning sketches based on observations, stories, and personal experiences.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students practice using sketching as a way to think on paper. They learn that artists do not usually start with a perfect final picture; instead, they create quick sketches to explore ideas from their everyday lives, stories, and things they notice. Through simple drawing warm-ups, idea lists, and planning pages, students discover how sketches can help them try out different ideas, make changes, and get ready for future artworks.
Essential Questions
- Where do art ideas come from in my everyday life?
- How can quick sketches help me plan and try out my ideas before making a big artwork?
- What is the difference between a sketch and a finished picture?
- How can I choose one idea from my sketches to use in a future project?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Generate multiple art ideas by sketching from observations, stories, and personal experiences.
- Create quick planning sketches that show different ways to arrange people, places, and objects on the page.
- Use sketches to change and improve ideas (e.g., moving things around, making something bigger, adding or removing details).
- Explain how one sketch could be used as a plan for a future artwork.
- Share sketchbook pages with peers and describe at least one idea they are excited to use later.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr1.2a — Generate artistic ideas based on observations, stories, and personal experiences.
- Example: Students draw ideas inspired by a favorite season.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can think of ideas for art by looking, remembering, and listening to stories.
- I can make quick sketches that show different ideas on one page.
- I can change and improve my sketches when I get a new idea.
- I can point to a sketch and say, “This could become my big artwork because…”
- I can explain where my idea came from (something I saw, did, or heard).