Unit Plan 3 (Grade K Art): Talking Before Drawing
Kindergarten Art: Students plan artwork before drawing by thinking and talking about who, where, and actions, using a simple Think → Talk → Draw routine.
Focus: Discuss simple plans for artwork before drawing, using talk and quick ideas to get ready.
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 often think and talk before they start making art. They practice sharing simple ideas out loud—who or what they will draw, where it is, and what is happening—before they pick up their crayons. Students also learn that a quick plan can be made with words, gestures, or very simple marks. By the end of the unit, students can describe at least one idea for artwork before drawing and see talking as a helpful planning step in the art-making process.
Essential Questions
- Why might an artist talk or think before drawing?
- How can sharing my idea with a partner help me get ready to make art?
- What are some simple things I can say about my plan (who, where, what is happening)?
- How does planning help me feel more confident when I start my artwork?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Share a simple plan for artwork using words before drawing (who/what, where, doing what).
- Listen to a partner’s plan and respond with a short comment or question.
- Create a drawing that matches at least part of the plan they talked about.
- Use a simple routine: Think → Talk → Draw.
- Understand that plans can change a little while drawing, and that is okay.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr1.Kb — Create simple plans for artwork using drawing or discussion before beginning.
- Example: Students talk about what they will draw before starting.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can think of an idea before I draw.
- I can tell a partner what I plan to draw.
- I can listen to my partner’s idea.
- I can make a drawing that shows my plan (or part of it).
- I know that plans can change a little while I draw, and that is okay.