Unit Plan 26 (Grade 7 Art): Personal Narrative Studio Project
Create a Grade 7 personal narrative studio unit where students produce a finished identity-focused artwork from their plan, using symbols and intentional composition while demonstrating technical growth and clear visual intent.
Focus: Create artwork expressing individual identity by completing a personal narrative piece that shows clear intent, thoughtful design, and growing technical skill.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Personal Narrative • Studio Production)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students move from planning to production, using their Personal Narrative Project Plan from the previous unit to create a finished artwork that expresses individual identity. They transfer their chosen theme, symbols, and composition into a full-scale piece, making intentional media and design decisions along the way. Emphasis is placed on following the plan while staying open to smart adjustments, demonstrating technical growth, and ensuring their visual choices communicate a clear story or viewpoint. By the end, each student will have a completed personal narrative artwork plus a brief explanation of how it reflects who they are.
Essential Questions
- How can I use my plan, symbols, and composition to create an artwork that truly expresses my identity or viewpoint?
- What choices in line, color, value, texture, and detail help my story feel clear and meaningful?
- How can I show technical growth (craftsmanship, control of materials) compared to earlier projects?
- When is it helpful to adjust a plan during studio work, and how can I do that without losing my original intent?
- How does a finished personal narrative artwork help others understand something real about me?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use their Personal Narrative Project Plan (theme, symbols, thumbnail, media notes) as a guide to begin and develop a full-scale artwork (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Apply intentional composition and design decisions (placement, balance, focal point) to support their personal narrative (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Demonstrate technical growth in their chosen medium (drawing, painting, mixed media, etc.), showing improved craftsmanship and control (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Make in-progress decisions (minor adjustments or refinements) that maintain or strengthen the original artistic intent (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Complete a personal narrative artwork and briefly explain how it reflects their identity, experience, or viewpoint with clear visual intent (VA:Cr3.7b).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.7b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, technical growth, and clear visual intent.
- Example: Students produce a final mixed-media piece reflecting thoughtful design choices.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use my plan (theme, symbols, thumbnail) to guide my final artwork.
- I can make design choices (composition, color, detail) that support my personal story or viewpoint.
- I can show technical improvement in my drawing/painting or other media compared to earlier projects.
- I can explain how specific visual choices (symbols, colors, composition) connect to my identity or experience.
- I can complete a personal narrative artwork that feels intentional, organized, and expressive.