Art Curriculum & Standards

Five BVSD Art Standards

All students in grades K-5 are evaluated on the same standards. Specific goals for each grade vary and are described on the report cards. The five BVSD Art Standards are listed below:

Standard 1: Observe and learn to comprehend

Standard 2: Envision and Critique to reflect

Standard 3: Invent and Discover to Create

Standard 4:  Relate and Connect to Transfer

Behavior Standards

Behavior Standards: Cooperates, listens attentively, participates

We use ARTIST to stand for Always do your best, Respect yourself each other and the classroom, Take care of your supplies and your work, Imagine new opportunities for improvement, Stay focused and on task during class, and Turn mistakes into masterpieces.

Grade Level Curriculum

Note: Curriculum documents as well as the information provided below can be found on the BVSD Elementary School Art Curriculum Website.

Kindergarten:

• Art education at the kindergarten level encourages early discovery and exploration through the introduction of various art media, tools, processes and techniques. Repetitive experiences with tools help students to experiment and expand previous awareness. The perceptual, sensory, and manipulative development of students is emphasized at this time. Art history and cultural studies will focus on topics of study within the kindergarten social studies curriculum. 

First Grade:

• In First Grade, students expand their ability to create with various art materials, and to reflect on the importance of the visual arts in defining community and transferring that knowledge to an evolving world view. New techniques are introduced to enhance personal expression. Social skills such as sharing, and respect for the work of others are emphasized. Students become aware of the role of artist in building community. Art is understood as a worthy endeavor. First Grade will learn about Art History and cultures within the context of the Social Studies curriculum. Additional artists and cultures that are not addressed in the Art History curriculum at other grade levels may be included. 

Second Grade:

• In second grade, color relationships and textural qualities are emphasized. Social and communication skills are further developed through group projects. Students are encouraged to express themselves through art and to appreciate their own uniqueness. Second graders will refine observational skills to become more aware of their environment, and to be able to critique works of art. Learning about art history and culture will include a study of the following artists and regions: Vincent Van Gogh, Diego Rivera, Louise Nevelson, China, India and Alaska. Additional artists and cultures that are not addressed in the art history curriculum at other grade levels may also be included. 

Third Grade:

• In third grade, the concepts of space and dimension are emphasized.  The students will recognize and work with spatial relationships in two- and three-dimensions.  Pattern and order are stressed.  Composition is analyzed as a fundamental component of art.  Art history and cultural studies will focus on topics of study within the third grade. 

Fourth Grade:

• In fourth grade, students identify and apply the elements of art and principles of design. Students will be formally introduced to the concept of abstraction and learn that expressive qualities are not restricted to any particular style. Emphasis will be placed on the ability of students to value their own emerging style. Fourth graders will learn about art history. 

Fifth Grade:

• In fifth grade, color relationships and value are emphasized. Students study and apply the principles of design to their own work. Fifth graders continue to learn to value and respect their own artwork and the work of others. Students will analyze and critique works of historic and contemporary art to enhance their appreciation and understanding of art and culture. 

Colorado Academic Standards 

for Visual Arts

Additional information can be found on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) State Standards for Visual Arts Website.  

For details, please view the Visual Arts Grade Level Expectations at a Glance Document.

Kindergarten

1. Artists and viewers recognize characteristics and expressive features within works of art.

2. Personal feelings are described in and through works of art.

3. Identify that art represents and tells the stories of people, places, or things.

4. Artists interpret connections to the stories in and by works of art.

5. Create two and three dimensional works of art based on personal relevance.

6. Artists and viewers contribute and connect to their communities.

First Grade

1. Works of art express feelings.

2. Art represents and renders the stories of people, places and things.

3. Visual arts provide opportunities to respond to personal works of art and the art of others.

4. Create art to communicate ideas, feelings, or emotions.

5. Visual arts relate experiences to self, family and friends.

Second Grade

1. Artists make choices that communicate ideas in works of art.

2. Characteristics and expressive features of art and design are used to identify and discuss works of art.

3. Visual arts use various literacies to convey intended meaning.

4. Use familiar symbols to identify and demonstrate characteristics and expressive features of art and design.

5. Visual arts respond to human experience by relating art to the community.

Third Grade

1. The identification of characteristics and expressive features in works of art and design help to determine artistic intent.

2. Art has intent and purpose.

3. Artists, viewers, and patrons use the language of art to respond to their own art and the art of others.

4. Artists, viewers, and patrons make connections among the characteristics, expressive features, and purposes of art and design.

5. Use basic media to express ideas through the art-making process.

6. Demonstrate basic studio skills.

7. Works of art connect individual ideas to make meaning.

8. Historical and cultural ideas are evident in works of art.

Fourth Grade

1. Artists and viewers determine artistic intent by comparing and contrasting the characteristics and expressive features of art and design.

2. Works of art articulate and express different points of view.

3. Artists, viewers, and patrons respond to works of art using inference and empathy.

4. The critique process informs judgment about artistic and aesthetic merits in works of art.

5. The processes and philosophies of art and design inform interpretations of works of art.

6. Use media to express and communicate ideas about an issue of personal interest.

7. Materials and processes can be used in traditional, unique, and inventive ways.

8. Viewers and patrons make personal meaning and infer artistic intent.

9. Historical time periods and cultural settings are interpreted in works of art.

Fifth Grade

1. Visual arts connect multiple characteristics of art.

2. Visual arts communicate the human experience.

3. Visual arts learning involves analyzing the formal and sensory qualities of art.

4. Evaluative criteria is used when responding to works of art.

5. Specific methods of planning support the development of intended meaning.

6. Use artistic media and expression to communicate personal and objective points of view.

7. Creat art using technological media.

8. Apply an understanding of art processes and creative thinking to plan and create art.

9. Artists, viewers, and patrons assign meaning to works of art.

10. Artists, viewers, and patrons respond to art from familiar and unfamiliar cultures.