Unit Plan 34 (Grade 4 Art): Final Exhibition Preparation

Focus: Select and prepare artwork for a final showcase, highlighting effort, growth, and clear communication through mounting and labeling.

Grade Level: 4

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 curators for their own work, carefully selecting and preparing pieces for a final exhibition. They learn how to choose artwork that shows effort, growth, and clear ideas, rather than just what they “like best.” Students then practice basic presentation skills—mounting, labeling, and organizing their pieces so viewers can easily understand and appreciate them. By the end, they are ready to contribute confidently to a classroom art showcase.

Essential Questions

• How do artists and curators decide which artworks to select for an exhibition?
• What does it mean for an artwork to show effort, growth, and effective communication?
• How do mounting and labeling affect how viewers see and understand artwork?
• Why is it important to present artwork with care and organization in a final showcase?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Review their artwork from the year and use simple criteria (effort, growth, communication) to select pieces for exhibition.
2. Explain why each selected piece belongs in the final showcase, using the language of growth and effective communication.
3. Prepare artwork for display with appropriate mounting (neat edges, secure attachment) and basic labeling (title, name, medium, optional short statement).
4. Work collaboratively to help organize a classroom display that feels clear and inviting to viewers.
5. Reflect on how presenting their work in an exhibition helps them see themselves as growing artists.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Pr4.4a — Select artwork for presentation based on effort, growth, and effective communication.
  • Example: Students choose artwork that demonstrates improved technique.
• VA:Pr5.4a — Prepare artwork for display using appropriate mounting and labeling techniques.
  • Example: Students create simple labels including title and medium.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can look at my artwork and choose pieces that show hard work, improvement, and clear ideas.
• I can explain why each selected artwork belongs in our final exhibition.
• I can mount my artwork neatly so it looks finished and is ready to hang or display.
• I can create a simple label that tells viewers the title, my name, and what materials I used (and sometimes a short idea).
• I can help our class display feel organized and welcoming for visitors.