Unit Plan 13 (Grade 3 Art): Cultural Inspiration Project

Focus: Create artwork inspired by a cultural tradition using ideas from observations, stories, and personal interests.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Connecting/Creating)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students use what they have learned about cultural art traditions to design their own cultural inspiration artwork. They think about traditions from their own lives and from artworks they have studied—such as celebrations, clothing, patterns, symbols, or community events—and use brainstorming and sketching to plan an original piece. Throughout the process, students make choices that show how art can reflect culture, community values, and personal connections.

Essential Questions

• How can my artwork be inspired by a cultural tradition or community value?
• How do observations, stories, and personal interests help me generate artistic ideas?
• What visual choices (colors, patterns, symbols, subject matter) can I use to show a tradition or value in my art?
• Why is it important to show respect and understanding when creating art inspired by cultures?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Recall and describe at least one cultural art tradition or community value studied in class or from their own lives.
2. Generate artistic ideas by brainstorming and sketching images based on observations, stories, and personal interests connected to a tradition.
3. Plan an artwork that uses subject matter, symbols, and visual details to reflect a specific cultural tradition or community value.
4. Create an artwork that clearly shows their chosen cultural inspiration, using careful craftsmanship and thoughtful composition.
5. Reflect (in writing or orally) on how their artwork connects to the chosen tradition and what they hope viewers will understand.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cn11.3a — Describe how art can reflect cultural traditions or community values.
  • Example: Students explore traditional art from different regions.
• VA:Cr1.3a — Generate artistic ideas by exploring observations, stories, and personal interests through brainstorming and sketching.
  • Example: Students sketch ideas for artwork based on a favorite place.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name a cultural tradition or value that inspires my artwork.
• I can brainstorm and sketch different ideas before choosing one to use.
• I can explain how my pictures, symbols, and details connect to a cultural tradition or value.
• I can show good craftsmanship by working carefully and planning my composition.
• I can tell or write how my finished artwork reflects culture or community values.