School

Visual Art Curriculum 2025

Summer Art Curriculum (K–3) — 9 Weeks
Instructor: Lea Cutsforth
Format: 2 classes per week per grade (6 classes/day, 2 days/week)
Grades Covered: Kindergarten through 3rd
Total Students: Max 125

ADMIN NOTE:
All grades follow the same rotating weekly themes. Lesson content is developmentally adjusted, but concepts remain consistent. Lessons are designed to repeat and deepen over the 9-week summer program. This allows for flexibility due to unconfirmed events, staff absences, or schedule changes. Lessons require basic materials and follow a predictable format.

Weekly Themes Overview:

WEEK 1 – Drawing & Introductions

Day 1

Objective: Students will explore drawing tools and demonstrate current skills using a quadrant drawing.
Introduction: Introduce class structure and materials. Discuss line, shape, and space.
Step-by-Step:
1. Fold paper into 4 sections.
2. Box 1: Name; Box 2: Face; Box 3: House; Box 4: Animal or Plant.
3. Review how to use tools and clean up.
Assessment: Student completes all quadrants, uses materials safely, and follows verbal instructions.

Day 2

Objective: Students will expand understanding of line by creating varied line types in an abstract drawing.
Introduction: Review line vocabulary: straight, zigzag, curve, spiral.
Step-by-Step:
1. Practice line types.
2. Create an image using only lines.
3. Optional: Add color or texture.
Assessment: Student demonstrates variety in line, fills space, and engages with tools.

WEEK 2 – Drawing Continued

Day 1

Objective: Students will apply lines and shapes to create symbolic or expressive art.
Introduction: Review how lines can show movement, feeling, and space.
Step-by-Step:
1. Brainstorm emotions or places.
2. Draw symbolic scenes using expressive line.
3. Share with partner or class.
Assessment: Student makes personal connections to art and uses creative composition.

Day 2

Objective: Students will create an abstract piece with repetition and pattern.
Introduction: What is pattern? How do artists repeat shapes and lines?
Step-by-Step:
1. Create a base grid or freeform shape layout.
2. Fill with repeated symbols or shapes.
3. Optional: Add color.
Assessment: Student follows pattern concept and shows intention in layout.

WEEK 3 – Color Basics

Day 1

Objective: Students will identify and mix primary colors to create secondary ones.
Introduction: Red + Yellow = ? Explore color discovery.
Step-by-Step:
1. Review red, yellow, blue.
2. Mix two at a time.
3. Fill a chart or abstract space with results.
Assessment: Student identifies color groups and demonstrates mixing process.

Day 2

Objective: Students will create an artwork using only primary or secondary colors.
Introduction: How can limited colors help tell a story?
Step-by-Step:
1. Choose one group (primary or secondary).
2. Create scene or image using only those.
3. Title and share work.
Assessment: Student uses limited palette purposefully.

WEEK 4 – Color Continued

Day 1

Objective: Students will explore warm and cool colors.
Introduction: What colors feel like fire? What colors feel like water?
Step-by-Step:
1. Sort examples into warm and cool.
2. Create image using just one type.
3. Label with mood or title.
Assessment: Student applies color temperature concept.

Day 2

Objective: Students will use color to express a mood or theme.
Introduction: Artists use color to show how they feel. What about you?
Step-by-Step:
1. Brainstorm feelings or memories.
2. Match colors to those ideas.
3. Create expressive piece.
Assessment: Student chooses colors with intention and reflects on work.

WEEK 5 – 3D Basics

Day 1

Objective: Students will explore basic sculptural methods with paper.
Introduction: How do artists build shapes from flat paper?
Step-by-Step:
1. Demo folding, rolling, and cutting paper.
2. Build simple standing shape or figure.
3. Decorate with texture.
Assessment: Student attempts 2+ methods and builds a 3D form.

Day 2

Objective: Students will construct a freestanding abstract or recognizable figure.
Introduction: What makes your sculpture strong or interesting?
Step-by-Step:
1. Sketch or imagine idea.
2. Build from paper, glue, and tape.
3. Display with name.
Assessment: Student builds independently or with group and explains choices.

WEEK 6 – 3D Continued

Day 1

Objective: Students will create a diorama or 3D environment.
Introduction: What world can we build in a box or on a table?
Step-by-Step:
1. Choose a theme: forest, zoo, city.
2. Build objects and place them in environment.
3. Add small details.
Assessment: Student builds multiple components and organizes layout.

Day 2

Objective: Students will refine their environment with labels and story elements.
Introduction: How does your world work? Who lives there?
Step-by-Step:
1. Label or name key features.
2. Add characters or accessories.
3. Share the story of the scene.
Assessment: Student can narrate or describe the created world.

WEEK 7 – Art for Sharing

Day 1

Objective: Students will create a finished piece to give to a friend or family member.
Introduction: What would make someone smile if they opened this?
Step-by-Step:
1. Choose format: card, flat image, mini sculpture.
2. Add a message or symbol.
3. Decorate with personal touches.
Assessment: Student personalizes work and selects recipient.

Day 2

Objective: Students will prepare their artwork to be gifted.
Introduction: How do we present art like a gift?
Step-by-Step:
1. Add label/tag with name/date.
2. Wrap, fold, or package if needed.
3. Optional: Practice giving it to a peer.
Assessment: Student adds final touches and prepares for sharing.

WEEK 8 – Exhibit Prep

Day 1

Objective: Students will select favorite artwork for display.
Introduction: What piece shows your best effort or your growth?
Step-by-Step:
1. Review all work.
2. Pick 1–2 pieces to mount.
3. Add title card or statement.
Assessment: Student selects intentionally and completes display label.

Day 2

Objective: Students will mount or arrange work for exhibit.
Introduction: Artists share their work. You are the artist.
Step-by-Step:
1. Mount on colored paper or folder.
2. Practice how to talk about their work.
3. Set up display area.
Assessment: Student completes visual presentation and prepares to share.

WEEK 9 – Exhibit & Celebration

Day 1

Objective: Students will finalize setup for the class art show.
Introduction: It’s almost time to show what you’ve made!
Step-by-Step:
1. Place artwork on tables, clipboards, or walls.
2. Add name labels and titles.
3. Practice walking tour.
Assessment: Student contributes to setup and explains work if asked.

Day 2

Objective: Students will participate in the celebration of their art.
Introduction: This is your gallery. You are the artist.
Step-by-Step:
1. Lead others through the gallery.
2. Invite peers or staff to view.
3. Optional: Reflect on favorite project.
Assessment: Student engages with others and celebrates participation.

NOTE: This entire 9-week plan may be repeated with light modifications across all grades K–3. Adjust vocabulary and complexity as needed. Substitutes may follow lesson titles and objectives for continuity.