United States 1st Grade Art Syllabus

This syllabus outlines a comprehensive art curriculum designed for 1st graders in the United States, focusing on fostering creativity, exploring various art forms, and introducing fundamental art concepts.

I. Introduction to Art

This unit introduces students to the world of art, encouraging self-expression and exploration.

• Self-Portraits: Students observe their own faces and the faces of others to create self-portraits.
• Exploring Lines: Students experiment with different types of lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved, zig-zag) to create various patterns and designs.
• Shape Exploration: Students learn about geometric shapes (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles) and use them to create artwork.
• Color Mixing: Students explore primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and learn how to mix them to create secondary colors (orange, green, purple).

II. Elements of Art

This unit delves into the fundamental building blocks of art, providing students with a foundational understanding of artistic principles.

• Line: Students explore different line qualities (thick, thin, smooth, rough) and use lines to create different moods and effects in their artwork.
• Shape: Students learn about organic and geometric shapes and explore how shapes can be used to create compositions.
• Color: Students explore color theory, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as warm and cool colors.
• Texture: Students explore different textures (rough, smooth, bumpy, soft) through tactile activities and create artwork that incorporates various textures.
• Form: Students learn about three-dimensional forms and explore how to create the illusion of form in two-dimensional artwork.
• Space: Students learn about positive and negative space and explore how to create depth and perspective in their artwork.
• Value: Students explore the lightness and darkness of colors and use value to create contrast and dimension in their artwork.

III. Art Appreciation

This unit introduces students to various artists, art forms, and cultures, fostering an appreciation for the diverse world of art.

• Famous Artists: Students learn about the lives and works of famous artists, such as Piet Mondrian.
• Museum Visits (Virtual or In-Person): Students explore artwork from different cultures and time periods through museum visits.
• Art from Different Cultures: Students learn about art from various cultures around the world, exploring different styles and techniques.

IV. Art-Making Processes

This unit introduces students to various art-making processes and techniques, encouraging experimentation and creativity.

• Drawing: Students practice drawing skills, including observation drawing and sketching.
• Painting: Students explore different painting techniques, such as watercolor, tempera, and acrylic painting.
• Printmaking: Students experiment with basic printmaking techniques, such as monoprinting.
• Sculpture: Students explore three-dimensional art-making through simple sculpting projects.
• Collage: Students create artwork using various materials, such as paper, fabric, and found objects.

This syllabus provides a framework for a 1st-grade art curriculum. Teachers can adapt and modify the content based on student needs and available resources. Additional resources and lesson plan ideas can be found on websites like Teachers Pay Teachers ( Deep Space Sparkle ( and Pinterest (