Unit Plan 36 (Grade 3 Art): Reflection & Growth Review
Grade 3 art unit where students reflect on artistic growth, evaluate work with simple criteria, and set goals for Grade 4 readiness.
Focus: Reflect on artistic development across the year and consider readiness for Grade 4, connecting artwork to personal experiences and using simple evaluation criteria.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Connecting & Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students look back on their year in art to recognize how they have grown as artists and as people. They revisit key artworks, connect them to personal experiences and memories, and use simple criteria (neatness, composition, clarity) to talk about their strengths and next steps. Through written, drawn, and spoken reflections, students celebrate progress and begin to imagine what they are ready to learn in Grade 4 art.
Essential Questions
- How has my artwork changed and improved from the beginning of the year to now?
- In what ways do my artworks show my personal experiences, stories, and interests?
- How can I use simple criteria to talk about what is strong in my artwork and what I want to improve?
- What do my reflections tell me about how I am ready for Grade 4 art?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Select several artworks from throughout the year that show different stages of their artistic journey.
- Connect chosen artworks to personal experiences or stories, explaining what inspired them.
- Use simple evaluation criteria (neatness, composition, clarity of idea) to describe strengths and areas for growth.
- Create a short “Year in Art” reflection (written, drawn, or spoken) describing how they have grown as an artist.
- Identify at least one goal or area of interest they want to explore in Grade 4 art.
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:Re9.3a — Evaluate artwork using simple criteria such as neatness, composition, and clarity.
- Example: Students use a checklist to assess peer artwork.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can choose artworks that show important moments in my art this year.
- I can explain how my art is connected to my life, feelings, or experiences.
- I can use criteria like neatness, composition, and clarity to talk about my work.
- I can describe at least one way I have grown as an artist and one thing I want to try in Grade 4.
- I can create a simple reflection that shows I understand my artistic journey this year.