Unit Plan 18 (Grade 6 Art): Selecting Work for Display
Curate Grade 6 art displays by selecting pieces that show effort, growth, and clear communication—then justify choices with criteria-based curator statements and labels.
Focus: Choose artwork for presentation using clear criteria of effort, improvement, and communication effectiveness.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Curation & Presentation • Reflection)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students take on the role of curators, learning how to select which artworks are best for display. Instead of just picking their favorites, they use clear criteria such as effort, growth, and how well a piece communicates its idea. Students review their body of work, compare options, and make intentional choices about which pieces represent them best. They also practice explaining why a piece belongs in a display, building skills in reflection, communication, and presentation planning.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to curate or select artwork for display?
- How can criteria like effort, improvement, and communication help me decide which artwork to show?
- Why might the “best” piece not always be the one that looks the fanciest at first glance?
- How does choosing certain artworks for display tell a story about me as an artist?
- How can I explain my choices so that others understand my artistic growth and intent?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review their portfolio and identify multiple artworks that show different aspects of their effort, improvement, and communication (VA:Pr4.6a).
- Use a class selection checklist or rubric to evaluate which pieces are strongest for display (VA:Pr4.6a).
- Make intentional choices about which artworks to select for presentation, explaining how they meet the criteria (VA:Pr4.6a).
- Arrange selected works in a simple mock display order (on desks, wall, or paper) that makes visual and narrative sense (VA:Pr4.6a).
- Write or speak a brief curator explanation describing why each chosen piece was selected and what it communicates (VA:Pr4.6a).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr4.6a — Select artwork for display based on effort, improvement, and communication effectiveness.
- Example: Students choose a finished drawing for a classroom gallery.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can look through my artwork and find pieces that show strong effort and improvement.
- I can use criteria to decide which artworks communicate their ideas clearly.
- I can explain why I selected each piece for display using art vocabulary.
- I can arrange my chosen artworks in a way that tells a coherent story about my art this year.
- I can act like a curator, making thoughtful choices instead of just picking random favorites.