Unit Plan 14 (Grade 6 Art): Message & Meaning Design
Grade 6 art unit where students create message-driven artwork using symbolism, multiple design solutions, and composition to communicate meaning.
Focus: Develop artwork communicating a personal idea using thoughtful design, symbolism, and multiple visual solutions.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Personal Expression • Design & Communication)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how to use art to communicate a personal idea, feeling, or opinion. They explore how artists make choices about subject matter, color, symbols, and composition to share a message with viewers. Students brainstorm topics based on their own interests and experiences, then develop more than one visual solution before selecting the strongest idea. Through sketching, planning, and reflection, they practice making intentional design decisions so their final artwork clearly expresses what they want to say.
Essential Questions
- How can my personal interests, experiences, or feelings become ideas for artwork?
- What choices can I make with color, symbols, and composition to communicate a clear message?
- Why is it helpful to create more than one design solution before choosing a final idea?
- How do I know if my artwork’s message and meaning are coming through to a viewer?
- In what ways can my art help others understand who I am and what I care about?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Brainstorm personal topics (interests, experiences, or values) that could be turned into a message-driven artwork (VA:Cn10.6a).
- Generate more than one visual solution (e.g., multiple thumbnails) for a chosen idea and explain the strengths of each (VA:Cr1.6b).
- Select the strongest concept with teacher guidance and develop a detailed planning sketch that shows composition, symbols, and focal point (VA:Cr1.6b).
- Create a final artwork that uses design elements (color, line, shape, space) and symbols to clearly communicate a personal message (VA:Cn10.6a).
- Write or share a short artist statement explaining the personal idea, design choices, and how those choices support the message (VA:Cn10.6a, VA:Cr1.6b).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cn10.6a — Create artwork inspired by personal interests or experiences and explain how those influenced design choices.
- Example: Students design artwork representing a favorite hobby.
- VA:Cr1.6b — Develop more than one solution to a visual problem and select the strongest concept with teacher guidance.
- Example: Students sketch two possible layouts before choosing one for final production.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can choose a personal idea (interest, experience, or feeling) that I want my artwork to communicate.
- I can create more than one sketch showing different ways to present my message visually.
- I can choose my strongest design and explain why it will communicate my idea best.
- I can use design elements and symbols on purpose so my message is clear to viewers.
- I can write or say an artist statement that explains my message and the choices I made.