Unit Plan 9 (PreK Art): What Do You See?
Preschool art unit where children observe artwork and describe colors, shapes, and lines using simple phrases like “I see red,” “I see circles,” and “I see zigzag lines.”
Focus: Describe colors, shapes, and lines seen in artwork.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, preschool children practice looking closely at artwork and using simple words to describe what they see. Through picture books, student art, and teacher-made examples, they notice colors, shapes, and lines and learn to say things like, “I see red,” “I see circles,” or “I see zigzag lines.” Children take turns sharing what they see, listening to others, and pointing to parts of the artwork. By the end of the unit, children can name at least one color and one shape or line they notice in a picture, beginning to develop their art “looking and talking” skills.
Essential Questions
- What colors do I see in this artwork?
- What shapes can I find (circles, squares, triangles)?
- What kinds of lines do I notice (straight, curvy, zigzag)?
- How can I use words to tell others what I see in a picture?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Look at an artwork carefully and name at least one color they see (e.g., red, blue, yellow).
- Identify and name at least one shape in artwork (e.g., circle, square) with visual support.
- Notice and describe simple lines (straight, curvy, zigzag) in pictures.
- Point to parts of an artwork while saying what they see (“I see a red circle here.”).
- Listen to peers share what they see and wait for their turn to speak in a short group discussion.
Standards Alignment — PreK (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re7.PKa — Describe colors, shapes, and lines seen in artwork.
- Example: A child says, “I see red and blue.”
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can say, “I see (color)” when I look at a picture.
- I can find and name a shape in artwork.
- I can notice lines like straight, curvy, or zigzag and say what I see.
- I can point to the part of the picture I am talking about.
- I can listen to my friends and take a turn sharing what I see.