Unit Plan 3 (Grade 2 Art): Two Ideas, One Choice

Focus: Create two possible ideas through sketching before choosing one to develop further.

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 learn that artists often come up with more than one idea before deciding what to make. They practice drawing two different sketches for the same prompt and then choose one they think will make the strongest artwork. Through guided examples, partner talk, and simple checklists, students begin to notice what makes an idea clear, interesting, and exciting to them, building early decision-making and planning skills.

Essential Questions

• Why might an artist want to draw more than one idea before starting a big artwork?
• How can making two sketches help me choose a stronger picture to finish?
• What makes one idea feel clearer or more interesting than another?
• How can I explain the reason I chose one idea and not the other?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Create two different sketches for the same art prompt (e.g., animal, place, event).
2. Compare their two sketches by noticing differences in details, layout, and interest.
3. Choose one sketch to develop further and explain at least one reason for their choice.
4. Use simple planning language (“This one shows… better because…”) to talk about their decision.
5. Save both sketches as part of their idea collection for future projects.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr1.2b — Create more than one possible idea before choosing one to complete.
  • Example: Students sketch two possible animal drawings before selecting one.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can draw two different ideas for the same art prompt.
• I can compare my two sketches and say how they are the same or different.
• I can pick one sketch to use as my plan and explain why I chose it.
• I can talk about which idea feels stronger or more exciting to me.
• I can keep both sketches in my folder or sketchbook as part of my idea collection.