Unit Plan 10 (Grade 7 Art): Symbolism in Art
Analyze how symbolism and imagery communicate theme in art. Grade 7 students interpret meaning, artist intent, and visual evidence through structured art analysis.
Focus: Analyze how imagery communicates theme, interpreting artwork by examining subject matter, symbolism, and possible artist intent.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Art Appreciation • Interpretation)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore how artists use symbolism—objects, colors, animals, gestures, and settings that stand for deeper ideas—to communicate themes and messages. Through close looking, guided discussion, and short written responses, students learn to connect imagery to possible meanings and artist intent, using evidence from what they see. They also experiment with planning a simple symbolic image of their own. By the end, students can explain how visual choices like color, setting, and objects contribute to the overall theme of an artwork.
Essential Questions
- How do artists use symbols and imagery to communicate ideas and themes?
- What clues in an artwork can help us understand the artist’s intent or message?
- How can different viewers interpret the same symbol in different ways?
- How does understanding symbolism change the way we experience and respond to art?
- How might I use symbolism in my own artwork to express a feeling, story, or opinion?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Define symbol and theme in the context of visual art and identify common symbols in selected artworks (VA:Re8.7a).
- Observe artworks closely and describe how subject matter, colors, and objects may symbolize deeper ideas (VA:Re8.7a).
- Use visual evidence to propose possible interpretations of an artwork’s theme and artist intent (VA:Re8.7a).
- Compare how different viewers interpret the same imagery, noting similarities and differences in interpretation (VA:Re8.7a).
- Create a simple symbol map or sketch planning how they could use imagery and symbolism to communicate a chosen theme (VA:Re8.7a).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re8.7a — Interpret artwork by considering subject matter, symbolism, and possible artist intent.
- Example: Students explain how imagery communicates theme in contemporary artwork, using specific visual evidence.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what a symbol is and give examples from art and everyday life.
- I can point to specific details in an artwork and say what I think they might stand for or represent.
- I can describe a possible theme or message of an artwork and support my idea with visual evidence.
- I can listen to other interpretations and notice how different people may read symbols in different ways.
- I can plan how I might use symbolism in my own artwork to express a feeling or idea.