Unit Plan 10 (Grade K Art): What Is Happening?

Focus: Identify actions or stories in artwork by describing what is happening in pictures.

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 become story detectives as they look at artwork and talk about what is happening in the picture. They notice people, animals, places, and objects, then use simple words to describe actions and stories they see—running, playing, sleeping, raining, celebrating, and more. Students listen to each other’s ideas and learn that pictures can show small stories without any words. By the end of the unit, they can say what is happening in a picture using simple sentences and feel more confident talking about art.

Essential Questions

• What is happening in this artwork?
• How can I tell what people or animals are doing in a picture?
• How can pictures show a story even without words?
• Why might different people see different stories in the same artwork?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Look carefully at artwork and identify who or what is in the picture.
2. Describe at least one action or simple story they see (e.g., “They are playing,” “It is raining”).
3. Use simple sentences to tell what is happening (e.g., “The dog is running”).
4. Listen to classmates’ ideas and notice that others might see different parts of the story.
5. Begin to enjoy group storytelling and picture talk as normal art activities.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Re8.Ka — Identify what is happening in artwork.
  • Example: Students describe the story in a picture.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can look at artwork and say what is happening.
• I can tell what people or animals are doing in a picture.
• I can use a simple sentence like, “They are ___.”
• I can listen to what other kids think is happening, too.