Unit Plan 7 (Grade 4 Art): Studio Project I — Composition Focus
Grade 4 art unit where students plan with thumbnails, apply design elements, and create organized compositions that demonstrate thoughtful layout, balance, and craftsmanship.
Focus: Create artwork demonstrating organized design through thoughtful composition and application of design elements.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this first studio project, students bring together what they have learned about elements of art, balance, and contrast to create a finished artwork with a strong composition. They plan their ideas using thumbnails, choose a layout, and then carefully develop their piece using one or two media. Emphasis is placed on planning, effort, and thoughtful placement of shapes, colors, and lines so the artwork feels organized and visually engaging.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean for a composition to be organized and intentional instead of random?
- How can planning (sketches, thumbnails, choices of layout) make a final artwork stronger?
- How do my decisions about placement, balance, and contrast affect how someone looks at my artwork?
- What does it look like to show effort and craftsmanship in a finished studio project?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Brainstorm and sketch multiple composition ideas (thumbnails) for a chosen subject or theme.
- Select a strong composition that shows clear organization and thoughtful placement of elements.
- Use one or two media with care and control to complete a finished artwork.
- Demonstrate effort and craftsmanship (neatness, attention to detail, time on task) throughout the project.
- Explain how their composition choices help the viewer understand the focus and overall design of the artwork.
Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.4b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, effort, and thoughtful application of design elements.
- Example: Students finalize a collage showing intentional composition.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can make more than one sketch before I choose my final composition.
- I can choose a layout that feels organized, not random, and shows where I want people to look first.
- I can work carefully with my chosen media to complete my project with good craftsmanship.
- I can explain how I used balance, contrast, or focal point in my composition.
- I can show my best effort from planning through finishing my artwork.