Unit Plan 7 (Grade 5 Art): Studio Project I — Composition Focus

Focus: Create a finished artwork that demonstrates intentional organization using composition tools (placement, contrast, balance, emphasis) to communicate a clear idea. Students move through a full studio process—planning, sketching, developing, and refining—so their final piece shows thoughtful design, strong effort, and a visual message that viewers can understand.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students pull together what they have learned about sketchbooks, elements of art, principles of design, and multiple solutions to create a more developed studio project. They begin by choosing or responding to a simple theme or prompt (such as “A Place That Matters to Me,” “Opposites,” or “Movement”). Through thumbnails and planning, they decide how to organize the page so their idea is clear. They then complete a final artwork, focusing on composition, effort, and communication of their chosen idea.

Essential Questions

• How can I use composition (placement, size, contrast, and balance) to organize my artwork on purpose?
• What does it mean to show planning and effort in a studio project, from first sketch to final piece?
• How can I make sure a viewer understands the idea or feeling I am trying to communicate?
• Why is it helpful to look back at my plan and make revisions while I work?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Choose or respond to a clear idea or theme and develop it through written notes and thumbnail sketches.
2. Plan at least two possible compositions, then select one that best organizes the page and supports their idea.
3. Complete a final artwork that shows intentional organization (clear focal point, balanced layout, use of contrast) and sustained effort.
4. Make at least one revision during the process based on their own thinking or peer/teacher feedback.
5. Write or speak an artist statement that explains their idea and how composition choices help communicate it.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr3.5b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, effort, and effective communication of an idea.
  • Example: Students finalize a mixed-media project with intentional composition.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can plan my artwork by making notes and thumbnails before I start the final piece.
• I can choose a composition that organizes the page on purpose and supports my idea.
• I can stick with my project, show effort, and finish a piece that looks thoughtful and complete.
• I can explain what my artwork is about and how I used composition to help tell that story or show that feeling.
• I can make changes during the process when something isn’t working, instead of just giving up.