Unit Plan 6 (Grade 2 Art): Texture & Tools Lab

Focus: Experiment with different tools and textures to build better control and neatness in artwork.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore how different art tools (crayons, markers, brushes, scissors, texture tools) can make a variety of textures and marks. Through playful stations and a small finished piece, they practice using tools carefully—controlling pressure, direction, and cutting/gluing. The goal is to help students notice how tools change the look and feel of artwork and to build habits of neatness and careful craftsmanship.

Essential Questions

• What is texture, and how can I show it in my artwork?
• How do different tools (crayon, marker, brush, scissors, sponges, etc.) make different kinds of lines, shapes, and textures?
• How can I use tools carefully and neatly so my artwork looks its best?
• How does practicing with tools help me feel more confident as an artist?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe texture (how something feels or looks like it feels) in classroom images and objects.
2. Experiment with a variety of tools and materials (crayons, markers, brushes, sponges, scissors) to create different textures and marks.
3. Practice using tools with improved control and neatness (e.g., cutting on a line, gluing just enough, coloring inside shapes).
4. Create a small artwork or “texture sampler” that shows several different textures made with different tools.
5. Reflect on which tools felt easiest or hardest to control and how they improved their neatness.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.2b — Experiment with tools and materials to develop better control and neatness.
  • Example: Students practice cutting curved lines carefully.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can tell what texture means and point out textures I see in pictures or around the room.
• I can try different tools and notice how each one makes different kinds of lines, shapes, or textures.
• I can use tools carefully and neatly, like cutting on a line or gluing without big puddles.
• I can make an artwork that shows more than one texture using different tools.
• I can say which tools I liked using most and how they helped my art look neat and clear.