Unit Plan 15 (PreK Art): Studio Project II — Story Art
Preschool art unit where children create story pictures showing simple actions, practice finishing artwork with care, and help clean up materials afterward.
Focus: Complete artwork that shows a simple story with 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 create a Story Art project: a drawing or painting that shows a very simple story or action, such as “The dog is running,” “We are at the park,” or “I am having a birthday.” Building on earlier planning and celebration units, children think about what is happening in their picture—who is there and what they are doing—and then work with effort and care to complete their artwork. They practice staying with one project for most of class time, adding age-appropriate details, and participating in cleanup when finished. By the end of the unit, each child completes a Story Art piece and can tell a grown-up what is happening in their picture.
Essential Questions
- How can my picture show a story or something happening?
- What does it mean to finish my artwork with effort and care?
- How can I show who is in my story and what they are doing?
- Why is it important to help with cleanup when my artwork is done?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Think of a simple story to show in their artwork (who is there and what is happening).
- Create a drawing or painting that shows at least one figure (person, animal, or character) doing something.
- Work on their Story Art for most of class time with age-appropriate effort and focus.
- Add one or two story details (object, place, or action clues) to help show what is happening.
- Complete their artwork and participate in simple cleanup routines (putting materials away, placing artwork to dry).
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 make a picture that shows a story (something happening).
- I can work on my Story Art with effort until it is finished.
- I can add details to show what is going on in my picture.
- I can tell what is happening in my story picture.
- I can help with cleanup when my artwork is done.