Unit Plan 18 (Grade 5 Art): Selecting Work for Display
Grade 5 art presentation unit where students curate and select artwork for display based on effort, growth, and communication, preparing pieces and writing gallery labels.
Focus: Choose artwork for presentation based on effort, growth, and effective communication, and prepare it for display. Students act as curators of their own work, selecting pieces that show how they have improved and what they can communicate through art.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students step into the role of artist-curators, looking back over their artwork from the year to decide what should be shown in a class display or gallery. They identify artworks that demonstrate effort, visible growth, and clear communication of an idea or message. Along the way, they practice talking about their choices and preparing simple labels or statements for viewers, learning that presentation is an important part of the artistic process.
Essential Questions
- How do artists decide which artworks are strongest to share with others?
- What does growth in art look like, and how can I see it in my own work?
- Why is it important to consider effort, improvement, and message clarity when choosing work for display?
- How can my choices as a curator shape what viewers notice and understand about my art?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review a selection of their own artworks and describe evidence of effort and improvement over time.
- Use clear criteria (effort, growth, effective communication) to choose which pieces are best for presentation.
- Explain why a chosen artwork is display-ready, using specific examples from the piece.
- Prepare selected artwork for display (e.g., signing, trimming, mounting, or matting as appropriate).
- Create a simple artwork label or statement that communicates why they chose that piece and what they want viewers to notice.
Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr4.5a — Select artwork for presentation based on effort, growth, and effective communication.
- Example: Students choose artwork for a class gallery showing improvement.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can look at several of my artworks and see where I’ve grown as an artist.
- I can use criteria like effort, growth, and message clarity to pick which artwork is best for display.
- I can explain why I chose a particular piece for presentation, using examples from the artwork.
- I can prepare my artwork so it looks neat and ready for others to view.
- I can write or share a short statement that helps viewers understand my choice and my growth.