Unit Plan 15 (Grade 2 Art): Studio Project II — Message Artwork
Grade 2 art unit where students produce a finished message artwork with strong composition, visible effort, thoughtful revision, and a clear personal idea.
Focus: Produce a finished message artwork that shows a clear personal idea using strong composition, visible effort, and thoughtful revision.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students turn their message ideas and thumbnail designs from the previous unit into a finished studio artwork. They review what it means for art to send a clear message and explore how composition (where things go on the page) helps people understand that message. Students set simple goals, work carefully over more than one class, and revise their work using a checklist and feedback. By the end, each student completes a message artwork that shows effort, thoughtful choices, and a clear visual idea.
Essential Questions
- How can I finish my artwork so my message is clear to others?
- What does a strong composition look like in a picture?
- Why is it important to show effort and revise before calling artwork “done”?
- How do details, background, and use of space help people understand my idea?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review their message idea and thumbnails to decide on a final design plan.
- Use composition choices (where to place the main subject and background) so their message is easy to see.
- Work over more than one class period, showing careful effort and revision of important parts.
- Complete a message artwork that clearly communicates a personal idea or feeling.
- Explain how their finished composition and details help communicate their message.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.5b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, effort, and effective communication of an idea.
- Example: Students finalize a mixed-media project with intentional composition.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use my plan (message and thumbnails) to make a finished artwork.
- I can place my main idea and details so people can see what my picture is about.
- I can work carefully and revise parts that need fixing or more detail.
- I can say what my artwork’s message is and how my picture shows it.
- I can show that I tried my best and did not stop at my first idea.