Unit Plan 33 (Grade 3 Art): Craftsmanship Focus Workshop
Grade 3 art unit where students solve artistic problems with limited materials, create multiple design solutions, and choose a final composition thoughtfully.
Focus: Strengthen technique and neatness by revising artwork using peer and teacher feedback to improve detail and clarity.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students zoom in on craftsmanship—how carefully and neatly artwork is made—and learn how revision can make their art stronger. Using recent or in-progress pieces, they practice looking closely, listening to simple feedback, and making thoughtful changes that improve detail, neatness, and clarity of their ideas. Students come to see that artists rarely stop at the first draft; they revise and refine to better communicate their message.
Essential Questions
- What does craftsmanship mean in artwork, and why does it matter?
- How can feedback from others help me see ways to improve my art?
- What kinds of changes can I make to improve neatness, detail, and clarity in my artwork?
- How does revising a piece of art help me grow as an artist?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe craftsmanship in simple terms (e.g., neat coloring, careful cutting, clear lines, secure gluing).
- Use peer and teacher feedback to identify at least one area of an artwork that could be improved.
- Revise an artwork by improving neatness, detail, or clarity while keeping the main idea the same.
- Apply careful techniques (steady outlines, smooth coloring, tidy edges) to show improved craftsmanship.
- Reflect on how revision changed their artwork and how they felt about the revision process.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.3a — Revise artwork using feedback to improve detail, neatness, and clarity.
- Example: Students refine outlines and add detail after peer suggestions.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what craftsmanship means in my artwork.
- I can listen to feedback and choose one or two things to improve.
- I can revise my artwork to make it neater and clearer without changing the main idea.
- I can show better technique by fixing lines, coloring, cutting, or gluing carefully.
- I can describe how my artwork changed after revision and why it is stronger now.