Grade 1 · Art
Quarter 1 · Week 1 · TEKS
This lesson introduces first-grade students to the foundational skills of observation and perception in art. Students will develop visual literacy by using their senses and critical thinking to explore and identify similarities, differences, and variations in their environment. They will learn to recognize and apply the elements of art—line, shape, color, texture, and form—and the principles of design—emphasis, repetition/pattern, and balance—in both natural and human-made settings. Through guided observation, discussion, and creative activities, students will use their experiences as sources for creating and understanding artworks.
Students should be familiar with using their senses to explore their surroundings and have basic vocabulary for colors and shapes.
Observation is using the senses—sight, touch, hearing, smell, and sometimes taste—to notice details about the world around us. Perception is how we interpret and understand what we observe. In art, these skills help us see and think about the shapes, colors, textures, and patterns in our environment. For first graders, developing these skills means learning to look carefully and describe what they see, hear, and feel, which forms the foundation for creating and appreciating art.
The elements of art are the basic building blocks artists use to create artworks. These include: - Line: A mark that can be straight, curved, thick, or thin. - Shape: A two-dimensional area defined by lines or color, such as circles, squares, or triangles. - Color: The hue or shade seen in objects. - Texture: How something feels or looks like it would feel (rough, smooth, bumpy). - Form: A three-dimensional object or the illusion of depth in a drawing or painting. Teaching students to identify these elements in nature and human-made objects helps them understand how artists use what they see to create art.
Principles of design are ways artists organize the elements of art to make their work interesting and balanced. For first graders, focus on: - Emphasis: Making one part of the artwork stand out. - Repetition/Pattern: Using the same element over and over to create a design. - Balance: Arranging elements so the artwork feels stable and even. Students can find examples of these principles in natural patterns like leaves or in man-made designs like fabric prints.
Encourage students to use all their senses to explore objects. For example, feeling the texture of a leaf versus a rock, noticing the colors of flowers, or hearing the sounds of different objects. Discuss how some objects might be similar in shape but different in color or texture. This sensory exploration helps students notice variations and details that artists consider when creating art.
After exploring and discussing, students use their observations to create original artworks. They can combine lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms they noticed. Encourage them to think about how to use emphasis, repetition, or balance in their designs. This process connects what they see and experience to their creative expression, reinforcing their understanding of art foundations.
Look at a picture of a tree and a toy car. Identify similarities and differences using your senses.
The tree and toy car can be compared by looking at their shapes, colors, and textures. For example, both might have similar shapes like round wheels and round leaves, but the tree is rough and green while the car is smooth and red.
The tree and toy car both have round shapes, but the tree is green and rough, and the car is red and smooth.
Find the elements of art in a drawing of a house with a garden.
In the drawing, lines make the edges of the house and garden paths, shapes form the windows and flowers, colors fill the sky and grass, texture is shown in the leaves, and form is suggested by the 3D look of the house.
The drawing has lines outlining the house, shapes like squares for windows, colors like blue sky and green grass, texture in the leaves, and form in the 3D house.
Show students a collection of natural and human-made objects. Ask them to look closely and use their senses to explore these objects.
Students touch, look at, and describe the objects using their senses.
This activity activates students' curiosity and introduces the idea of using senses to observe the environment, which is essential for developing visual literacy.
Present pictures of artworks that highlight elements of art and principles of design. Discuss each element and principle with examples.
Students identify and name elements of art and principles of design in the pictures.
This phase helps students connect their observations to art vocabulary and concepts, building their ability to analyze visual information.
Explain the elements of art and principles of design using simple definitions and examples from the objects and artworks shown.
Students repeat definitions and give examples from their observations.
Clear explanations and examples help students understand abstract art concepts by relating them to familiar objects and experiences.
Guide students to create their own artwork using the elements of art and principles of design they learned. Encourage them to use their senses and observations as inspiration.
Students create drawings or paintings combining lines, shapes, colors, textures, and forms, applying emphasis, repetition, or balance.
Creating art allows students to apply their knowledge and express their understanding of observation and design principles.
Ask students to share their artwork and explain their choices. Use a short observation or exit task to assess their understanding of the lesson objectives.
Students describe their artwork, identifying elements and principles used and reflecting on their observations.
Sharing and reflection reinforce learning and provide evidence of student understanding aligned with TEKS standards.
Students identify and name elements of art and principles of design in the pictures.
Name two senses you can use to observe objects around you.
Sight and touch.
Identify one element of art you see in a leaf.
Shape (for example, the leaf's outline).
Look at a picture of a flower. Describe one similarity and one difference you notice compared to a toy flower.
Similarity: Both have petals. Difference: The real flower has a natural smell and texture; the toy flower is made of plastic and has no smell.
Explain how an artist might use repetition or pattern in a drawing of a garden.
An artist might repeat shapes like flowers or leaves in a pattern to create rhythm and make the garden look lively and organized.
Create a simple drawing using at least two elements of art and one principle of design. Describe your choices.
(Example) I drew a sun with yellow circles (color and shape) and made the circles repeat around the sun (repetition) to make it look bright and cheerful.
Provide vocabulary cards with pictures for key terms like line, shape, and color. Use guided questions to help students describe observations. Allow students to work in pairs for discussion and support.
Use simple language and visual aids to explain concepts. Demonstrate actions like drawing lines or showing textures. Encourage students to use their home language to discuss before sharing in English.
Challenge students to find examples of balance in complex artworks. Ask students to explain how different elements create emphasis. Encourage students to invent images combining multiple elements and principles.
Ask families to take a short walk with their child to observe objects in their neighborhood or home. Have the child describe similarities, differences, and art elements they notice, then share their observations and drawings with the class.
In this lesson, first-grade students develop foundational art skills by using their senses to observe the world around them. They learn to identify the elements of art and principles of design in natural and human-made environments. Through observation, discussion, and creative expression, students connect what they see and experience to art-making, building visual literacy and critical thinking skills essential for artistic growth.
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.