Grades: Lower Elementary (K–2), focused for grade 2
Time Required: 7–10 class periods
Subjects: Visual Arts
Prerequisites: none

This unit for children in primary grades focuses on feelings depicted or expressed in works of art. Children make personal connections with works of art that express themes of caring and study how artists use art principles such as space, line, shape, and color to express mood and meaning. Each lesson encourages children to express thoughts and feelings about caring with art activities in drawing, painting, and three-dimensional construction.

Young children are sensitive to interpersonal relationships within their family and peer group. These lessons help them address universal relationships and concerns of society as they create and share artworks that provide tangible, visible extensions of themselves. Personal connections allow them to better communicate meaning and feeling when viewing works of art, and to extend their visual and creative frames of reference.