Lesson Plan
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 1
Students will learn to recognize high-quality work by comparing examples and non-examples and co-create a class definition of excellence.
Building a shared understanding of ‘what good looks like’ helps young learners set clear goals, take pride in their work, and develop self-assessment habits across all subjects.
Audience
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discuss, model, practice
Materials
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 1 Script, Quality Standards Chart, Example Work Samples, Non-Example Work Samples, Quality Checklist Cards, Mini Whiteboards, and Dry-Erase Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and assemble the Quality Standards Chart.
- Select and print sets of Example Work Samples and Non-Example Work Samples.
- Cut out enough Quality Checklist Cards for each student.
- Gather mini whiteboards and dry-erase markers.
- Review the Aim High, Shine Bright Session 1 Script and familiarize yourself with the talking points.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet and show the Quality Standards Chart.
- Ask: “What do you think makes work look really good?”
- Record students’ ideas on chart paper, highlighting words like neat, colorful, complete.
- Explain: Today we’ll learn to spot and create excellent work!
Step 2
Teach and Model
10 minutes
- Display an Example Work Sample and read aloud what’s strong about it (e.g., neat handwriting, bright colors).
- Next, show a Non-Example Work Sample and ask students to notice what’s missing (e.g., scribbles, missing details).
- Refer back to the student-generated words on the chart and match them to the samples.
- Introduce the Quality Checklist Cards as tools to remember what makes work excellent.
Step 3
Guided Practice
10 minutes
- Give each student a mini whiteboard and marker.
- Project or hand out a new sample drawing with mixed-quality features.
- In pairs, students use the Quality Checklist Cards to spot strengths and areas to improve.
- Call on volunteers to share one thing they noticed about the sample and check it off on the class Quality Standards Chart.
- Circulate and support students making observations.
Step 4
Closing Reflection
5 minutes
- Bring students back together and ask: “What words would we use to describe excellent work now?”
- Update the Quality Standards Chart with any new ideas.
- Encourage students to use the checklist every time they work.
- Conclude: “Aim High, Shine Bright by always checking your work against our chart!”
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Script
Aim High, Shine Bright: Session 1 Script
Materials
- Quality Standards Chart displayed on chart paper or projector
- Example Work Samples
- Non-Example Work Samples
- Quality Checklist Cards
- Mini whiteboards and dry-erase markers
Today’s Target
“Today we will learn how to spot high-quality work and decide what ‘excellent’ looks like for our classroom.”
1. Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)
Teacher (gather students on the carpet, pointing to the chart):
“Good morning, everyone! I’ve put up our Quality Standards Chart right here.
What do you think makes someone’s work look really good?”
(Allow students to shout out ideas.)
Teacher (recording responses on chart):
“Great ideas! I hear words like neat, colorful, and complete.
Can someone tell me more about what neat means?”
If students struggle:
- “Neat could mean letters are easy to read.”
- “Neat might mean there’s no smudges or scribbles.”
Teacher (smiling):
“Thank you! Today we’ll learn to spot these neat, colorful, and complete parts in our work—and make our own work look excellent!”
2. Teach and Model (10 minutes)
Teacher (holding up an example work sample):
“First, let’s look at this drawing. This is from our Example Work Samples.
What do you notice that’s really strong here?”
(Call on 2–3 volunteers.)
Teacher (pointing to sample):
“Look—see how the shapes are colored all the way in, and the letters are easy to read?
We can check those off on our chart: colorful and neat.
Now let’s look at this one from the Non-Example Work Samples.”
Teacher (holding up non-example):
“What do you notice is missing or needs work?”
(Prompt if needed):
- “I see some scribbles that go outside the lines.”
- “Some parts are very light and hard to see.”
Teacher (linking to chart):
“Those are things we’d like to improve. We’ll use our Quality Checklist Cards to help us remember each part of excellent work.”
3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)
Teacher (handing out mini whiteboards and markers):
“I’m giving each of you a whiteboard. On the board I’m projecting is a brand-new sample with both good parts and parts that need work.
In pairs, use your Quality Checklist Cards to find one strength and one thing to improve.
Draw a circle around a strength and an X over what needs work.”
(Students work in pairs. Teacher circulates.)
Teacher (after 4 minutes):
“Let’s share! Turn to your partner and tell them one thing you found that shines.”
(Invite 3 volunteers to share aloud.)
Teacher (updating chart):
“Thank you! I heard neat coloring, complete shapes, and clear letters.
Let’s check those off on our Quality Standards Chart.”
4. Closing Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher (gathering students back):
“Wow—look at all the great words we’ve added!
What words would we use now to describe excellent work?”
(Students respond.)
Teacher (writing new words):
“Those are perfect additions. From now on, every time we work, we can look at our Quality Standards Chart and our Checklist Cards to make sure our work is the best it can be.
Remember: Aim High, Shine Bright by always checking your work against our chart!”
End of Session 1
Activity
Quality Exploration Activity
Objective: Students will practice using our quality criteria to spot strengths and areas for improvement in peer work, building confidence in self- and peer-assessment.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Quality Checklist Cards (1 set per pair)
- Mini Whiteboards and Dry-Erase Markers (1 per pair)
- Mixed-Quality Sample Drawings (1 per pair)
Instructions:
- Form Pairs and Setup (1 minute)
- Students find a partner and sit elbow-to-elbow.
- Teacher distributes to each pair: a set of Quality Checklist Cards, one mini whiteboard, one marker, and one sample drawing with mixed-quality features.
- Partner A: Identify a Strength (3 minutes)
- Partner A reviews the sample and uses the checklist to find one thing that’s done well (e.g., neat coloring, clear letters).
- On the whiteboard, Partner A draws a circle around a quick sketch or writes a note (e.g., “Neat coloring”).
- Partner A tells Partner B aloud what they noticed.
- Partner B: Identify an Improvement (3 minutes)
- Partner B uses the checklist to spot one area to improve (e.g., scribbles outside the lines, missing details).
- On the whiteboard, Partner B marks an “X” next to their sketch or writes a note (e.g., “Add more color”).
- Partner B explains their thinking to Partner A.
- Switch Roles and Sample (2 minutes)
- Pairs swap their sample drawings and roles.
- Repeat Step 2 and 3 with the new sample: now Partner B finds the strength first, then Partner A finds the improvement.
- Share and Reflect (1 minute)
- Invite 2–3 pairs to hold up their whiteboards and share one strength and one improvement they found.
- Ask the class: “How did using the checklist help you notice these details?”
Follow-Up:
Encourage students to keep their Quality Checklist Cards at their tables during independent work. Remind them: “Aim High, Shine Bright by checking your work against what excellence looks like!”
Lesson Plan
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 2
Students will apply quality criteria to create a piece of work and use a simple rubric to self-assess and set improvement goals.
Guided self-evaluation empowers learners to take ownership of quality, deepening their understanding of excellence and promoting independent use of criteria.
Audience
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, create, self-assess
Materials
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 2 Script, Quality Rubric Chart, Self-Assessment Rubric Cards, Drawing Paper, Crayons or Colored Pencils, Mini Whiteboards (optional), and Dry-Erase Markers (optional)
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Print or sketch the Quality Rubric Chart for display.
- Cut out enough Self-Assessment Rubric Cards for each student.
- Gather drawing paper, crayons, and colored pencils.
- Review the Aim High, Shine Bright Session 2 Script to familiarize yourself with prompts and transitions.
Step 1
Warm-Up Review
5 minutes
- Gather students and reread key words from the Quality Standards Chart.
- Ask: “What does our classroom say excellent work looks like?”
- Highlight student definitions of neat, colorful, and complete to set context.
Step 2
Co-Create Rubric
10 minutes
- Display the blank Quality Rubric Chart.
- Explain a simple 3-point scale: 1 = Needs Work, 2 = Meets Expectations, 3 = Exceeds Expectations.
- For each criterion (Neatness, Color, Completeness), ask students to suggest what makes a 3, 2, or 1.
- Record their ideas on the chart and introduce the Self-Assessment Rubric Cards.
Step 3
Independent Creation
8 minutes
- Distribute drawing paper and art supplies.
- Prompt: “Draw a ___ (house/animal/flower) and try to make it neat, colorful, and complete.”
- Encourage students to refer to the chart as they work.
- Circulate and praise efforts that meet rubric levels.
Step 4
Self-Assessment
5 minutes
- Hand each student a set of Self-Assessment Rubric Cards.
- Ask them to place each card next to their drawing, choosing 1, 2, or 3 for Neatness, Color, and Completeness.
- Prompt: “What part did you do best? What will you try to improve next time?”
Step 5
Closing Share
2 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their rating and one improvement goal.
- Reinforce: “Using our rubric helps us Aim High and Shine Bright every time!”
Script
Aim High, Shine Bright: Session 2 Script
Materials
- Quality Standards Chart displayed for reference
- Blank Quality Rubric Chart on chart paper or projector
- Self-Assessment Rubric Cards (1 set per student)
- Drawing paper, crayons or colored pencils
Today’s Target
“Today we will make a drawing, use a simple rubric to check our work, and pick a goal to make it even better.”
1. Warm-Up Review (5 minutes)
Teacher (gather students at the carpet):
“Good morning, artists! Let’s look at our Quality Standards Chart.
Who can remind us what words we use to describe excellent work?”
(Call on 2–3 volunteers.)
Teacher (pointing to chart):
“I heard neat, colorful, and complete.
Today we’ll use these words to build our very own rubric so we can check our work like experts.”
2. Co-Create Rubric (10 minutes)
Teacher (standing by the blank rubric chart):
“Here’s our Quality Rubric Chart. We’ll make a 3-point scale for each of our three words: Neatness, Color, and Completeness.
Remember: 1 means Needs Work, 2 means Meets Expectations, and 3 means Exceeds Expectations.
Let’s start with Neatness. What makes a drawing a 3 for neatness?”
(Students respond. Teacher writes on chart: “3 = letters and lines clear, no scribbles”)
Teacher:
“Great! Now what would 2 look like?”
(Students respond: “2 = mostly clear, one or two light spots”)
Teacher:
“Perfect. And 1?”
(Students respond: “1 = messy, scribbles everywhere”)
Teacher (moves to next column):
“Now let’s do Color. What makes a 3 for color?”
(Students: “3 = colors fill all spaces, bright”)
Teacher:
“Wonderful. And a 2?”
(Students: “2 = some spots left white”)
Teacher:
“Last, Completeness. What makes a 3?”
(Students: “3 = all parts drawn and labeled if needed”)
Teacher:
“Fantastic! You’ve just built our rubric. These are our tools to check our work.
I’m giving each of you a set of Self-Assessment Rubric Cards so you can choose 1, 2, or 3 for each part.”
3. Independent Creation (8 minutes)
Teacher (handing out paper and art supplies):
“Now it’s your turn! Draw a picture of a flower (or choose house/animal if you like).
Remember to make it neat, colorful, and complete.
When you finish, use your rubric cards to check your drawing.”
(Students work. Teacher circulates, praising rubric-based effort: “I love how you colored every petal—excellent color!”)
4. Self-Assessment (5 minutes)
Teacher (once most students seem finished):
“Great work, artists! Now pick up your Self-Assessment Rubric Cards.
Place your ‘Neatness’ card next to your drawing—does it get a 1, 2, or 3?”
(Students place cards.)
Teacher:
“Next, choose a card for Color.”
Teacher:
“And one more for Completeness.”
Teacher (softly as students finish):
“Look at your three cards. Which part did you do best? Which part will you try to improve next time?”
5. Closing Share (2 minutes)
Teacher (gathering students back at carpet):
“Who would like to share one rating and one goal?”
(Invite 2–3 volunteers.)
Teacher (praising):
“Thank you for sharing! Remember, our rubric helps us Aim High and Shine Bright every time we draw.
Great job today—keep using those cards whenever you create!”
Activity
Rubric Pals Activity
Objective: Students will work in pairs (“Rubric Pals”) to use our Quality Rubric and Self-Assessment Rubric Cards to give friendly, supportive feedback and set goals for each other’s work.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Student drawings completed in Session 2
- Self-Assessment Rubric Cards (1 set per student)
- Quality Rubric Chart (visible in the room)
- Sticky notes or small feedback sheets (optional)
Instructions:
- Form Rubric Pals (1 minute)
- Have students pair up with someone who finished their self-assessment.
- Each student keeps their original drawing and set of Rubric Cards at hand.
- Exchange and Review (2 minutes)
- Pals exchange drawings and rubric cards.
- Partner A reads Partner B’s self-ratings (the cards placed next to the drawing).
- Partner A refers to the Quality Rubric Chart and decides if they agree or have a different rating for one criterion (Neatness, Color, or Completeness).
- Give Strengths Feedback (3 minutes)
- Partner A points out one thing they love about Partner B’s drawing, using rubric language (e.g., “Your flower petals are colored all the way in—that’s a 3 for Color!”).
- Partner A shows this by placing the agreed-upon Rubric Card (1–3) next to Partner B’s original card.
- Partner A writes or sticks a quick note on a sticky note (optional): “I shine this work!”
- Suggest a Goal (2 minutes)
- Partner A identifies one area they think could be even better (e.g., “Some spots are light—let’s try filling every space next time for a 3!”).
- Partner A places the suggested Rubric Card (1–3) under that criterion, below Partner B’s card, and writes a note: “Goal: Fill all spaces.”
- Roles Switch (2 minutes)
- Partners swap roles: Partner B now reviews Partner A’s drawing, gives one strength compliment, and suggests one goal.
- Quick Share (optional, 1 minute)
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share one strength and one goal they discussed.
Follow-Up:
- Encourage students to tuck their feedback notes and rubrics into their art folders.
- Remind them: “Use your Rubric Cards and pals’ tips each time you create—Aim High, Shine Bright!”
Lesson Plan
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 3
Students will revise their work using quality criteria, give and receive peer feedback, and finalize a polished piece to showcase classroom excellence.
Revision and peer feedback foster growth mindset and collaborative skills, deepening self- and social-assessment and celebrating high-quality work.
Audience
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Revise, feedback, showcase
Materials
Aim High, Shine Bright Session 3 Script, Revision Checklist Cards, Peer Feedback Guidelines Poster, Student Drawings from Session 2, Drawing Paper, Colored Pencils or Crayons, and Sticky Notes
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Print or display the Peer Feedback Guidelines Poster.
- Cut out enough Revision Checklist Cards for each student.
- Gather student drawings from Session 2 along with drawing paper and coloring materials.
- Prepare sticky notes for feedback comments.
- Review the Aim High, Shine Bright Session 3 Script to plan timing.
Step 1
Warm-Up Reflection
5 minutes
- Bring students to the carpet and display the Quality Standards Chart.
- Ask: “What have we learned about making our work neat, colorful, and complete?”
- Invite 3–4 students to share one revision tip they remember from last time.
Step 2
Model Revision
7 minutes
- Display a sample drawing with room for improvement.
- Think aloud using the Revision Checklist Cards to identify one strength and two areas to enhance.
- Demonstrate making a concrete change (e.g., fill white spaces, darken faint lines).
- Invite students to ask questions about your process.
Step 3
Independent Revision
8 minutes
- Distribute each student a set of Revision Checklist Cards and their original drawing.
- Students review their own work, circle strengths, and mark areas to improve.
- Revise directly on their drawing or create a new copy using art supplies.
- Circulate to support students as they apply revisions.
Step 4
Peer Feedback
7 minutes
- Pair students and display the Peer Feedback Guidelines Poster.
- Partners exchange drawings and checklist cards.
- On a sticky note, write one strength comment (e.g., “I love your neat lines!”).
- On another sticky note, suggest one next-step improvement (e.g., “Try adding more color here.”).
- Exchange feedback and thank your partner.
Step 5
Final Showcase
3 minutes
- Invite students to place their revised work on the display wall or table for a gallery walk.
- Encourage classmates to quietly view each piece and notice quality details.
- Conclude: “We all aimed high and shone bright by revising and supporting each other!”
Script
Aim High, Shine Bright: Session 3 Script
Materials
- Quality Standards Chart displayed for reference
- Revision Checklist Cards (1 set per student)
- Peer Feedback Guidelines Poster displayed
- Student drawings from Session 2
- Drawing paper, colored pencils or crayons
- Sticky notes for comments
Today’s Target
“Today we will revise our drawings using checklists, give and receive peer feedback, and create a polished final piece to showcase our excellence.”
1. Warm-Up Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher (gather students on the carpet, pointing to chart):
“Good morning, artists! Look at our Quality Standards Chart.
What have we learned about making our work neat, colorful, and complete?”
(Call on 3–4 volunteers.)
Teacher (celebrating ideas):
“I love these tips: coloring all the way in, drawing every detail, and using clear lines.
Those are our goals as we revise today!”
2. Model Revision (7 minutes)
Teacher (holding up a sample drawing and Revision Checklist Cards):
“Here’s a picture from last time. Let’s use our Revision Checklist Cards to make it even better.
First, what’s one thing we like?”
(Point to student response, then circle it on the drawing.)
Teacher (thinking aloud):
“Great—our lines are neat, so that’s a strength.
Now, what could we improve? Look at these white spots around the petals.”
(Student suggests, teacher marks ‘Fill all spaces’ on card.)
Teacher (demonstrating):
“I’m going to color in those spots to make the flower more colorful—see how it brightens the picture?
Next, my leaves have faint lines, so I’ll press a little darker to make them clear.”
(Invite quick question.)
Teacher:
“Any questions about how I used the checklist to make changes?”
3. Independent Revision (8 minutes)
Teacher (handing out each student their drawing and a set of Revision Checklist Cards):
“Now it’s your turn.
- Look at your drawing and find one strength—circle it.
- Find one area to improve—mark it.
- Revise your work by coloring, redrawing, or darkening lines.
Use your art supplies and make your piece shine!”
(Students revise. Teacher circulates, offering praise: “I love how you filled every space—that’s excellent color!”)
4. Peer Feedback (7 minutes)
Teacher (pairing students, pointing to Peer Feedback Guidelines Poster):
“Let’s give each other friendly feedback. Remember our guidelines:
- Start with something you like
- Use kind words and specific details
- Offer one idea to make it even better
- Exchange drawings and checklist cards with your partner.
- On a sticky note, write one strength comment (e.g., ‘Your lines are so neat!’).
- On another note, write one improvement suggestion (e.g., ‘Try adding more color here’).
- Share both notes with your partner and say, ‘Thank you!’”
(Students work in pairs. Teacher circulates, prompting as needed.)
Teacher (after 5 minutes):
“Great teamwork! Let’s hear one strength and one suggestion from a pair.”
(Invite 1–2 volunteers.)
5. Final Showcase (3 minutes)
Teacher (directing students to display area):
“Now that your drawings are polished and you’ve supported a friend, let’s showcase our excellence.
Place your revised work on the table or wall for a gallery walk.
As we walk around, notice neat lines, bright color, and complete details.
We all aimed high and shone bright today!”
End of Session 3 – Congratulations!
Activity
Gallery Walk
Objective: Students will celebrate classmates’ polished work by observing gallery pieces, identifying quality features, and offering positive feedback.
Time: 5–7 minutes
Materials:
- Revised student drawings displayed around the room
- Sticky notes or comment cards
- Pencils or crayons
- Quality Standards Chart visible for reference
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gallery (1 minute)
- Arrange each student’s final drawing on tables or walls at child height.
- Give each student a sticky note and a pencil/crayon.
- Silent Observation (2 minutes)
- Students quietly walk around the gallery, looking closely at each piece.
- Encourage them to refer to our words: neat, colorful, complete—and the Quality Standards Chart.
- Leave a Compliment (2 minutes)
- At each drawing, students write or draw one specific compliment (e.g., “I love your bright colors!” or a small star sticker).
- Place the sticky note next to the work or on a provided comment sheet.
- Share Reflections (2 minutes)
- Gather students and ask: “What did you notice about your friends’ work? Which quality word did you see most?”
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one compliment they left.
Follow-Up:
- Leave the gallery up for the day so students can revisit and feel proud.
- Encourage students to use these quality examples as inspiration for future work.
- Conclude: “We all aimed high and shone bright by creating and celebrating excellence!”