Unit Plan 15 (Grade 5 Art): Studio Project II — Message Artwork

Focus: Produce a finished artwork with clear communication of a message and strong composition, building on prior design planning. Students use their message design plans to create a polished piece that shows intentional choices in focal point, layout, and visual details to communicate an idea.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

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

I. Introduction

In this studio unit, students move from planning to production as they turn their message-based design ideas into a completed artwork. They review their earlier message plans and thumbnails, then work through the full studio process: blocking in, refining composition, adding meaningful details, and polishing craftsmanship. Along the way, they check that their choices still support their intended message, using peer and self-feedback to revise before calling the artwork “finished.”

Essential Questions

• How can I use composition, focal point, and visual details to make my message clear in a finished artwork?
• What does it mean to show planning, effort, and care in a studio project?
• How can feedback from myself and others help me revise and improve my artwork before it is complete?
• When is an artwork “done,” and how do I know it communicates my idea effectively?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use an existing message design plan (thumbnail and sketch) as a guide for creating a finished artwork.
2. Apply composition strategies (focal point, balance, clear background/foreground) to support the message of their artwork.
3. Demonstrate sustained effort and craftsmanship, refining lines, color, and details over multiple studio sessions.
4. Use a simple checklist and peer feedback to revise their artwork so the message is clearer and the composition is stronger.
5. Complete a message artwork and write or share a brief reflection on how well it communicates their idea.

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 follow and thoughtfully adapt my design plan as I create my finished message artwork.
• I can show strong composition by making careful choices about what is big/small, where things are placed, and what stands out.
• I can show effort and craftsmanship by working carefully, refining details, and improving my work over time.
• I can use feedback to revise my artwork so my message is clearer.
• I can explain how my finished artwork communicates my idea to an audience.