First Grade

Standards of Excellence

Creating

VA1.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

a. Generate individual and group ideas in response to visual images and personal

experiences.

b. Generate visual images in response to open ended prompts, themes, and narratives.

c. Produce multiple prototypes in the planning stages for works of art (e.g. sketches,

models).

VA1.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.

a. Create works of art emphasizing one or more elements of art and/or principles of design.

b. Create works of art that attempt to fill the space in an art composition.

VA1.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

a. Create drawings and paintings with a variety of media.

b. Explore printmaking processes (e.g. stamping).

c. Develop manual dexterity through craft techniques (e.g. collage, stitchery, weaving).

d. Identify primary colors and mix them to make new colors.

e. Explore spatial relationships.

VA1.CR.4 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of three-dimensional art.

a. Create sculpture using a variety of media and techniques.

b. Create works of art using clay techniques to create forms (e.g. modeling, rolling, pinching).

c. Create three-dimensional composition using traditional and/or contemporary craft materials and methods (e.g. paper sculpture, found object assemblage, jewelry).

VA1.CR.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and appropriate use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.

Presenting

VA1.PR.1 Participate in appropriate exhibition(s) of works of art to develop identity of self as artist.

a. Complete works of art.

b. Sign a finished work of art.

Responding

VA1.RE.1 Discuss personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy.

a. Use a variety of strategies for art criticism.

b. Explain how selected elements of art are used in works of art to convey meaning.

c. Demonstrate an appreciation for art and art making processes by communicating thoughts and feelings.

Connecting

VA1.CN.1 Investigate and discover the personal relationships of artists to community, culture, and the world through making and studying art.

a. Recognize the unique contributions of contemporary and/or historical art forms, including Georgia artists.

b. Explore the influence of artists and their work in a variety of cultures.

c. Recognize ways that artists are involved in communities and careers (e.g. architects, painters, photographers, interior designers, educators, museum educators).

VA1.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art.

a. Explore universal concepts (e.g. self, family, community, world) inspired by other subject areas.

VA1.CN.3 Develop life skills through the study and production of art (e.g. collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication).

Classroom Activities

Creating

Visual thinking strategies are used every class to look carefully at art from around the world and across time. These discussions often include contextual information about the artist, time period, and ideas in the art.

Like all artists we find inspiration from the world around us and the world of art. We make art from our own ideas and experiment with the elements of art and principles of design as we learn to make our ideas real.

In first grade we work to return to familiar materials and further explore how they work as well as how what we do with them changes our artworks. We also start to think about ways that artists plan their ideas. Through out the grade levels we work to improve our control over these materials and techniques to get our ideas across.

Materials we explore include but are not limited to:

  • paper

  • markers

  • crayons

  • oil pastels

  • water color

  • tempera cake

  • glue

  • scissors

  • hole punchers

  • clay

  • blocks

  • Legos

  • cardboard

  • mirrors

  • manikins

  • yarn

  • printmaking




Presenting

We have ongoing discussions of what makes a work of art complete and offer each other ideas for how we might add to our artworks to improve or change them through whole groups and small group critiques and sharing.



Responding

We practice Visual thinking strategies when we look at the artwork of professional and peer artists. We also use this time to introduce students to the vocabulary of art. Student Artists have the opportunity to share artwork in progress or completed with the class, as well as discuss their ideas while working.



Connecting

The world of art is huge and diverse and I strive to introduce some of that breadth to my students. We look at works from around the world and around the corner and the class up the hallway. We discuss how artists find ideas in their lives, surroundings, other artists, and imaginations.

We are always reminding ourselves that art is a form of communication that requires us to use our critical thinking and creativity.