Third Grade

Standards of Excellence

Creating

VA3.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

a. Utilize multiple approaches to plan works of art incorporating imaginative ideas, universal themes, and symbolic images.

b. Apply available resources, tools, and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the process of making works of art.

c. Produce multiple prototypes in the planning stages for a work of art (e.g. sketches, 3D models).

VA3.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.

a. Create works of art to express individual ideas, thoughts, and feelings from memory, imagination, and observation.

b. Create works of art emphasizing multiple elements of art and/or principles of design.

VA3.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, processes, and concepts of two dimensional art.

a. Develop drawings and paintings with a variety of media (e.g. pencil, crayon, pastel, tempera, watercolor).

b. Incorporate printmaking processes to create works of art (e.g. monoprints, collographs, Styrofoam prints, editions).

c. Combine materials in creative ways to make works of art (e.g. mixed-media, collage).

d. Develop and apply an understanding of color schemes to create works of art.

e. Use spatial concepts to create works of art (e.g. foreground, middle ground, background, size, placement, detail).

VA3.CR.4 Understand and apply media, techniques, processes, and concepts of three dimensional art.

a. Create sculpture using a variety of methods (e.g., papier-mâché, cutting, folding, found objects).

b. Create ceramic works of art incorporating multiple clay techniques and methods (e.g. pinch, coil, slab, score, slip, join).

c. Create works of art using traditional and/or contemporary craft methods (e.g., weaving, stitchery, jewelry, puppetry).

VA3.CR.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and appropriate use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.

Presenting

VA3.PR.1 Plan and participate in appropriate exhibition(s) of works of art to develop identity of self as artist.

a. Prepare works of art for exhibition with signature, title, and/or artist statement on finished work.

b. Choose works of art to be displayed based on thoughtful reflection.

Responding

VA3.RE.1 Use a variety of approaches for art criticism and to critique personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy.

a. Recognize that responses to art change depending on knowledge of the time, place, and culture in which works of art are created.

b. Use art terminology with emphasis on the elements of art and/or principles of design.

c. Use a variety of approaches to engage in verbal and/or written art criticism.

d. Use a variety of strategies to critique, discuss, and reflect on personal works of art and the work of peers

Connecting

VA3.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. Compare ideas and universal themes from diverse cultures of the past and present.

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

VA3.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art.

a. Apply art skills and knowledge to improve understanding in other disciplines.

VA3.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 third grade we work to continue to work with materials and further explore how we can use them to make our ideas real. We begin working to plan out our idea and begin using depth techniques to make our artwork more like real life when we want to. 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

  • liquid tempera paint

  • glue

  • scissors

  • hole punchers

  • clay

  • blocks

  • Legos

  • cardboard

  • mirrors

  • manikins

  • yarn

  • resist painting

  • subtractive printmaking

  • additive printmaking

  • paper mache



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. To assist them in reflecting and using the vocabulary of art, student complete an artist statement after each artwork which includes the choice to display the work.

Responding

We practice Visual thinking strategies when we look at the artwork of professional and peer artists. We also use this time to practice 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, around the corner, and the class up the hall. We discuss how artists find ideas in their lives, surroundings, other artists, and imaginations. We also explore the careers and jobs that include art making and creative thinking. We look for connections to other things we are learning and ideas in our own lives.

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