Unit Plan 17 (Grade K Art): Improve & Finish
Kindergarten Art: Students improve artwork by adding details or changes after class discussion, learning how revisions make pictures clearer and more complete.
Focus: Add details or make changes to artwork after class discussion.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 30–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, kindergarten students learn that artists can improve and finish their artwork after talking about it. They look at their own and sample artworks, discuss what is already working well, and think about what details could be added—such as background, missing parts, or color—and then return to their pieces to make thoughtful changes. Students discover that going back to add details does not mean their art was “wrong”; instead, it shows they are growing as artists. By the end of the unit, they can talk about at least one change they made and how it helped their picture look more complete.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to improve or finish my artwork?
- How can talking about my picture help me decide what to add or change?
- What kinds of details can I add to make my picture clearer or more complete?
- How does revising my artwork show that I am an artist who is learning and growing?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Participate in a simple class discussion about artwork, noticing what is already there and what might be added.
- Identify at least one detail (such as background, missing parts, color, or objects) that could improve their own artwork.
- Add one or more details or make small changes to improve and finish their artwork after discussion.
- Work with effort and care while revising (not scribbling or rushing).
- Explain one change they made and how it helped their picture.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.Ka — Add details or make changes to artwork after discussion.
- Example: Students add background details to complete a picture.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can talk about my picture and listen to ideas from my teacher and classmates.
- I can find at least one detail to add or change to make my artwork better.
- I can go back and improve and finish my picture with effort and care.
- I can say one change I made and how it helped my picture.