Unit Plan 9 (Grade K Art): What Do You See?

Focus: Describe colors and shapes seen in artwork using simple observation language.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, kindergarten students practice being art observers by looking closely at pictures and talking about what they see. They learn to notice and name colors and shapes in artwork, using simple words and pointing. Students listen to classmates’ ideas and realize that different people may notice different things in the same picture. By the end of the unit, they can describe at least a few colors and shapes in artwork and feel more confident talking about what they see.

Essential Questions

• What do I see when I look at artwork?
• How can I use color words and shape words to talk about art?
• Why might different people notice different things in the same picture?
• How does looking carefully help me understand and enjoy artwork more?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Look carefully at artwork and name at least two colors they see.
2. Point out and name basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) in artwork.
3. Use simple sentences to describe what they see (e.g., “I see a red circle”).
4. Listen to a partner’s description and notice that others may see different details.
5. Begin to enjoy group discussion about artwork as a normal art activity.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Re7.Ka — Describe what they see in artwork.
  • Example: Students name colors and shapes they observe.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can look at artwork and say what I see.
• I can name colors and shapes in a picture.
• I can use a simple sentence like, “I see a ___.”
• I can listen to what other kids see, too.