Unit Plan 7 (Grade 2 Art): Studio Project I — Organized Art

Focus: Create a finished piece of artwork that shows clear organization, thoughtful placement, and effort.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students use what they have learned about line, shape, color, texture, tools, and neatness to plan and complete an “organized artwork.” They look at examples to see how artists fill the page in a balanced way, place important things where they can be seen clearly, and avoid leaving everything in one tiny corner. Through planning sketches and a final piece, students practice arranging objects, backgrounds, and details so their picture makes sense and feels complete.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean for artwork to be organized?
• How does the way I place things on the page help people understand what is important in my picture?
• Why is it helpful to plan before I start a final artwork?
• How do effort and careful organization change the way my finished art looks?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe what makes an artwork look organized (clear main subject, filled space, not all in one corner).
2. Use a simple planning sketch to decide where to place main objects, background, and details.
3. Create a finished artwork that shows planning, effort, and organization of space.
4. Use tools and materials with care and neatness to support an organized composition.
5. Reflect on how their choices about placement and space made their artwork easier to understand.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr3.2b — Complete artwork that shows planning, effort, and organization.
  • Example: Students finish a collage that clearly fills the page with balanced design.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can explain what organized art means using kid-friendly words (like “balanced,” “fills the page,” or “easy to see”).
• I can make a planning sketch before I start my final picture.
• I can place my main subject, background, and details in a way that looks organized, not crowded or empty.
• I can show effort by working carefully and not rushing to say “I’m done.”
• I can tell how my choices about where things go help others understand my artwork.