Unit Plan 7 (PreK Art): Studio Project I — My Color Art
Preschool art unit where children create a finished “My Color Art” painting, choosing colors intentionally while practicing careful brush use and studio clean-up routines.
Focus: Create a finished painting using color intentionally with age-appropriate effort and care.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, preschool children use what they have learned about colors and painting tools to create a more finished painting called “My Color Art.” They choose colors they like or colors that match a feeling (happy, calm, excited) and practice painting with care, trying to keep paint mostly on the paper and finishing their picture. Children also learn that being an artist includes taking care of materials and cleaning up when they are done. By the end of the unit, children can begin and complete a simple painting, show some intentional color choices, and participate in clean-up routines.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to finish a painting?
- How can I use color on purpose in my artwork (favorite colors, happy colors, calm colors)?
- How can I show effort and care when I paint (slower strokes, filling spaces, gentle brush use)?
- How do artists take care of their tools and space when they are finished?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Start and complete a simple painting during art time, with gentle support.
- Choose and use colors intentionally (e.g., favorite colors, colors for a sun, sky, or feeling).
- Show effort and care while painting (slower strokes, trying to fill space, fewer wild splashes).
- Follow basic painting routines: putting on a smock, keeping paint on paper, helping with clean-up.
- Share one short idea about their finished painting (what it shows or how the colors feel).
Standards Alignment — PreK (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.PKb — Complete artwork with effort and care appropriate to age.
- Example: A child finishes a painting and participates in cleanup.
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can start and finish my painting.
- I can choose colors on purpose (colors I like or colors for what I am painting).
- I can hold my brush and paint with care, not just scribble wildly.
- I can help with clean up when painting time is done.
- I can tell a grown-up something about my My Color Art.