Unit Plan 28 (Grade 3 Art): Exhibition Planning
Grade 3 art unit where students plan and organize a classroom artwork display, deciding on placement, grouping, spacing, and labels.
Focus: Plan and organize a classroom artwork display, making decisions about placement, grouping, and labeling so the exhibit looks neat, clear, and welcoming to viewers.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students take on the role of young curators, planning how to turn their classroom or hallway into an art exhibition. They think about where each piece should go, how to group artworks, and how to use spacing, labels, and simple signs to help viewers enjoy the show. By designing a class display plan, students learn that organizing artwork is a creative job that affects how people see and understand the art.
Essential Questions
- What makes an art display look organized and inviting instead of crowded or confusing?
- How can we group and place artworks so viewers can see each one clearly?
- Why is planning important before we hang or arrange artwork?
- How can we work together as a class to create a cohesive exhibition?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe what makes an art exhibition look organized and easy to view.
- Help sort or group mounted artworks by theme, project, color, or size for a classroom display.
- Plan a layout for a bulletin board, wall, or display area using sketches or paper “models.”
- Decide on the placement and spacing of artworks so labels are visible and pieces are not crowded.
- Reflect on how their planning helped prepare a neat, organized exhibition for viewers.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr5.3a — Prepare artwork for presentation by mounting or organizing it neatly.
- Example: Students create simple labels with title and name.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what makes an art display look organized.
- I can help group artworks in ways that make sense (same project, similar colors, or themes).
- I can use a planning sketch or mock layout to decide where art will go.
- I can check that artwork and labels are placed with enough space so viewers can see them.
- I can describe how my class’s planning made our exhibition look more neat and thoughtful.