Unit Plan 25 (Grade 3 Art): Planning a Narrative Artwork
Grade 3 art unit where students plan narrative artwork from a meaningful personal event using brainstorming and thumbnail sketches to organize ideas.
Focus: Plan narrative artwork inspired by a meaningful personal event, using brainstorming and sketching to organize ideas.
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 learn how to turn a personal story or meaningful event into a planned artwork instead of just drawing “whatever comes to mind.” They brainstorm important memories—such as trips, celebrations, challenges, or everyday moments—and decide which one they want to show in a picture. Using planning sketches (thumbnails) and simple notes, they think about characters, setting, and actions, and begin to organize their ideas so that the story will be clear to a viewer.
Essential Questions
- What is a narrative artwork, and how can it tell a story from my life?
- How can I use brainstorming and sketching to plan a picture about a meaningful event?
- What choices about people, setting, and actions help make my story clear?
- Why is it important to plan first before starting a final artwork?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Recall and list personal experiences or meaningful events that could inspire a narrative artwork.
- Choose one event and describe it using simple words or pictures (who, where, what happened, and why it matters).
- Create planning sketches (thumbnails) that explore different ways to show the story—such as different viewpoints, character placement, or key moments.
- Select one planning sketch to develop further, explaining why it best communicates their story.
- Write or draw a short story plan that connects their chosen memory to their planned artwork.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cn10.3a — Create artwork inspired by personal experiences and describe those influences.
- Example: Students create artwork based on a memorable event.
- 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 think of real events from my life that could become a story picture.
- I can describe my event using who, where, and what happened.
- I can make several small sketches to try out different ways to show my story.
- I can choose one sketch and explain why it is the best plan for my artwork.
- I can connect my personal experience to my art plan in words or pictures.