Express Yourself: Design a 'Who I Am' Artwork
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Express Yourself: Design a 'Who I Am' Artwork

Grade 1Art5 days
In this project, first-grade students create artwork to express their identity, interests, and cultural background. They begin by brainstorming and sketching ideas, then refine their sketches and add labels. Finally, they create a final artwork using various materials and participate in a class gallery walk to discuss each other's creations. This project integrates art with literacy, encouraging self-expression and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Self-ExpressionVisual StorytellingIdentityArt MaterialsSketchingColor and Texture
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can I use art to show what I love, where I am from, and who I am?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can art tell a story about ourselves?
  • How do artist's use shapes, colors, and textures to express themselves?
  • What makes each of us unique?
  • How can we creatively use different materials to make art?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • TEKS ELAR - 1.2.C.iii - demonstrate and apply spelling knowledge by: spelling words using sound-spelling patterns
  • TEKS ELAR - 1.2.F - develop handwriting by printing words, sentences, and answers legibly leaving appropriate spaces between words
  • TEKS Art - 1.2.A - invent images that combine a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms
  • TEKS Art - 1.3.B - demonstrate an understanding that art is created globally by all people throughout time

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Art Gallery Time Machine

'Art Gallery Time Machine': Transform the classroom into an 'Art Gallery Time Machine,' displaying artwork from various time periods and cultures. Students analyze how artists throughout history have expressed their identities and cultural backgrounds, encouraging them to consider how they can use art to represent their own stories in a contemporary context.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Sketchbook Explorations

Students will start by brainstorming and sketching ideas about what they love, where they are from, and who they are. This activity helps them generate initial concepts and explore different visual elements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm a list of things you love, places that represent where you are from, and qualities that describe who you are.
2. Create five different sketches in your sketchbook, each representing one or more elements from your brainstorm list.
3. Use a variety of lines, shapes, and simple colors in your sketches.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA sketchbook page with at least five different sketches representing personal interests, cultural background, and individual identity.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTEKS Art - 1.2.A (invent images that combine a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms)
Activity 2

Sketch Refinement and Labeling

In this activity, students will refine one of their initial sketches and add labels to identify the elements they've included. This combines visual art with basic literacy skills.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose your favorite sketch from the previous activity.
2. Redraw the sketch on a new page, making it larger and more detailed.
3. Use simple spelling patterns to label the different elements in your sketch (e.g., "dog" for a pet, "home" for where you live).
4. Add more colors and textures to enhance the visual appeal.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA refined sketch with clear labels identifying the different elements and their personal significance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTEKS Art - 1.2.A (invent images that combine a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms); TEKS ELAR - 1.2.C.iii (demonstrate and apply spelling knowledge by: spelling words using sound-spelling patterns)
Activity 3

Final Artwork and Artist Statement

Students will transfer their refined sketch onto a larger piece of paper or canvas and create a final artwork using various art materials. They will also write a short artist statement about their work.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Transfer your refined sketch onto a larger piece of paper or canvas.
2. Use a variety of art materials (e.g., crayons, markers, paint, collage) to create your final artwork.
3. Write a short statement (1-2 sentences) explaining what your artwork represents and why it is important to you.
4. Practice printing your statement legibly.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA finished artwork on larger paper or canvas, accompanied by a short, legibly written artist statement explaining the artwork's meaning.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTEKS Art - 1.2.A (invent images that combine a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms); TEKS ELAR - 1.2.F (develop handwriting by printing words, sentences, and answers legibly leaving appropriate spaces between words)
Activity 4

Class Gallery Walk and Discussion

Students will participate in a class gallery walk, observing and discussing each other's artwork. This fosters an understanding of diverse perspectives and artistic expression.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Participate in setting up a classroom gallery to display all students' artwork.
2. Walk around the gallery, observing each artwork carefully.
3. Write down one thing you like or find interesting about at least three different artworks.
4. Share your observations and comments with the class during a group discussion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityParticipation in a class gallery walk with thoughtful comments and observations about peers' artwork.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTEKS Art - 1.3.B (demonstrate an understanding that art is created globally by all people throughout time)
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Expressing Identity Through Art

Category 1

Sketchbook Explorations

Focuses on the student's initial exploration of ideas and visual elements in their sketchbook, emphasizing creativity and personal expression.
Criterion 1

Idea Generation and Representation

Assesses the student's ability to brainstorm and generate initial ideas and concepts reflecting personal interests, cultural background, and individual identity.

Exemplary
4 Points

The sketchbook includes at least five distinct sketches that creatively and comprehensively represent the student's interests, background, and identity, demonstrating a deep understanding of the prompt.

Proficient
3 Points

The sketchbook includes five sketches that represent the student's interests, background, and identity, showing a clear understanding of the prompt.

Developing
2 Points

The sketchbook includes fewer than five sketches, or the sketches only partially represent the student's interests, background, and identity, indicating a basic understanding of the prompt.

Beginning
1 Points

The sketchbook is incomplete or shows minimal effort in representing the student's interests, background, and identity, indicating a limited understanding of the prompt.

Criterion 2

Visual Elements

Evaluates the student's skill in utilizing lines, shapes, and colors to effectively communicate their ideas and create visually engaging sketches.

Exemplary
4 Points

The sketches demonstrate sophisticated use of lines, shapes, and colors to create dynamic and expressive representations of the student's ideas.

Proficient
3 Points

The sketches effectively use lines, shapes, and colors to communicate the student's ideas clearly and create visually appealing representations.

Developing
2 Points

The sketches show some use of lines, shapes, and colors, but the elements may not fully support or enhance the communication of the student's ideas.

Beginning
1 Points

The sketches show minimal or ineffective use of lines, shapes, and colors, hindering the communication of the student's ideas.

Category 2

Sketch Refinement and Labeling

Focuses on the refinement of initial sketches, emphasizing attention to detail, accurate labeling, and effective use of colors and textures.
Criterion 1

Sketch Refinement

Assesses the student's ability to refine their initial sketch and develop a more detailed representation of their chosen subject, demonstrating improved artistic skills.

Exemplary
4 Points

The refined sketch is exceptionally detailed and demonstrates a high level of artistic skill, significantly enhancing the original concept.

Proficient
3 Points

The refined sketch is noticeably more detailed than the original and demonstrates a clear improvement in artistic skill.

Developing
2 Points

The refined sketch shows some additional detail compared to the original, but the improvement in artistic skill is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

The refined sketch shows minimal change from the original, with little to no improvement in artistic skill.

Criterion 2

Labeling and Spelling

Evaluates the student's ability to correctly label elements in their sketch using simple spelling patterns, integrating literacy skills with visual art.

Exemplary
4 Points

All elements in the sketch are accurately and creatively labeled using appropriate spelling patterns, demonstrating a strong command of literacy skills.

Proficient
3 Points

Most elements in the sketch are accurately labeled using simple spelling patterns, demonstrating a good grasp of literacy skills.

Developing
2 Points

Some elements in the sketch are labeled, but there are errors in spelling or the labels are unclear, indicating a developing understanding of literacy skills.

Beginning
1 Points

Few or no elements in the sketch are labeled, or the labels are significantly inaccurate, indicating a limited understanding of literacy skills.

Criterion 3

Color and Texture

Measures the student's effective use of colors and textures to enhance the visual appeal and expressiveness of the refined sketch.

Exemplary
4 Points

The use of colors and textures is exceptionally creative and effectively enhances the visual impact and expressiveness of the sketch.

Proficient
3 Points

Colors and textures are used effectively to enhance the visual appeal and expressiveness of the sketch.

Developing
2 Points

Colors and textures are used, but their application is inconsistent or does not significantly enhance the sketch's visual appeal.

Beginning
1 Points

Colors and textures are used minimally or inappropriately, detracting from the sketch's visual appeal.

Category 3

Final Artwork and Artist Statement

Focuses on the final creation of the artwork, emphasizing craftsmanship, the ability to articulate the artwork's meaning, and legible handwriting.
Criterion 1

Artwork Creation

Evaluates the transformation of the refined sketch into a final artwork, assessing the student's craftsmanship and creative use of materials.

Exemplary
4 Points

The final artwork demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and innovative use of materials, resulting in a stunning and impactful piece.

Proficient
3 Points

The final artwork demonstrates good craftsmanship and effective use of materials, successfully translating the sketch into a finished piece.

Developing
2 Points

The final artwork shows basic craftsmanship, but the use of materials is inconsistent or does not fully enhance the final product.

Beginning
1 Points

The final artwork lacks craftsmanship, and the materials are used ineffectively, resulting in an incomplete or unappealing piece.

Criterion 2

Artist Statement

Assesses the clarity and depth of the student's artist statement, evaluating their ability to articulate the artwork's meaning and personal significance.

Exemplary
4 Points

The artist statement is exceptionally clear, insightful, and articulates the artwork's meaning and personal significance with depth and nuance.

Proficient
3 Points

The artist statement is clear and explains the artwork's meaning and personal significance effectively.

Developing
2 Points

The artist statement is somewhat vague or incomplete, and the explanation of the artwork's meaning and personal significance is limited.

Beginning
1 Points

The artist statement is unclear or missing, and the artwork's meaning and personal significance are not adequately explained.

Criterion 3

Handwriting

Measures the legibility and neatness of the student's written artist statement, reinforcing handwriting skills.

Exemplary
4 Points

The artist statement is written with exceptional legibility and neatness, demonstrating advanced handwriting skills.

Proficient
3 Points

The artist statement is written legibly and neatly, demonstrating good handwriting skills.

Developing
2 Points

The artist statement is somewhat legible, but there are some issues with neatness or spacing, indicating a need for improvement in handwriting skills.

Beginning
1 Points

The artist statement is illegible or poorly written, indicating significant challenges with handwriting skills.

Category 4

Class Gallery Walk and Discussion

Focuses on the student's ability to engage with and appreciate diverse artistic expressions, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Criterion 1

Participation

Assesses the student's active participation in the class gallery walk and their engagement with peers' artwork.

Exemplary
4 Points

The student actively and enthusiastically participated in the gallery walk, demonstrating genuine interest and respect for peers' artwork.

Proficient
3 Points

The student participated in the gallery walk and showed engagement with peers' artwork.

Developing
2 Points

The student participated in the gallery walk, but their engagement with peers' artwork was minimal.

Beginning
1 Points

The student did not actively participate in the gallery walk or show engagement with peers' artwork.

Criterion 2

Comments and Observations

Evaluates the thoughtfulness and insightfulness of the student's comments and observations about peers' artwork.

Exemplary
4 Points

The student provided exceptionally thoughtful and insightful comments and observations about multiple peers' artworks, demonstrating a deep understanding of artistic expression.

Proficient
3 Points

The student provided thoughtful comments and observations about at least three peers' artworks.

Developing
2 Points

The student provided basic comments and observations about fewer than three peers' artworks.

Beginning
1 Points

The student provided minimal or superficial comments and observations about peers' artwork.

Criterion 3

Articulation and Discussion

Measures the student's ability to articulate their observations and comments clearly during the group discussion.

Exemplary
4 Points

The student articulated their observations and comments with exceptional clarity and eloquence, contributing meaningfully to the group discussion.

Proficient
3 Points

The student articulated their observations and comments clearly during the group discussion.

Developing
2 Points

The student struggled to articulate their observations and comments clearly during the group discussion.

Beginning
1 Points

The student did not participate in the group discussion or was unable to articulate their observations and comments.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

What was the most challenging part of creating your artwork, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 2

How did your sketches change from the first ideas to the final artwork?

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Question 3

What is your favorite part of your artwork, and why?

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Question 4

What did you learn about yourself and your identity through this project?

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Question 5

What did you learn from observing your classmates' artwork in the gallery walk?

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