Unit Plan 27 (Grade 2 Art): Preparing Artwork for Display
Grade 2 students learn to mount, label, and handle artwork for display, creating an organized class gallery with clear titles, artist names, and neat presentation.
Focus: Learn how to mount, label, and gently handle artwork so it is ready to share in a class or school display, helping viewers know who made it and what it shows.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students will discover that finishing a picture is only one part of being an artist—artists also need to get their work ready to share. Students practice simple ways to prepare artwork for display, including mounting on colored paper, adding neat name and title labels, and handling their work with care. They learn that presentation choices—like straight edges, clean glue work, and readable labels—help viewers notice the artwork and understand who made it and what it is about. By the end, students help create a small class gallery that shows their work proudly and respectfully.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to prepare artwork for display?
- How do mounting and labels help people understand and respect our art?
- Why is it important to handle artwork carefully when we get it ready to hang?
- How can we work together to create a neat, organized display that we feel proud of?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe why artists prepare their artwork for display instead of just handing it in.
- Mount artwork on background paper using neat gluing and lined-up edges.
- Create simple labels that include at least: title and artist’s name (and grade/class if desired).
- Place artwork and labels in an organized layout for a class display (straight rows or gentle groupings).
- Explain one way that neat mounting and labeling help viewers see and understand their artwork better.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr5.5a — Prepare artwork for display using appropriate mounting, labeling, and organization techniques.
- Example: Students create display labels including title and medium.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can say why it is important to get art ready for display.
- I can mount my artwork neatly on background paper.
- I can make a label that tells my artwork’s title and my name.
- I can help place artwork and labels in an organized way on a wall or board.
- I can explain how mounting and labels make our display look more professional and easy to understand.