Unit Plan 31 (Grade 1 Art): Art Critique of Displayed Work

Focus: Use simple criteria (neatness, use of color, clear subject) to talk about displayed artwork and give kind, specific comments.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, first graders learn how to look carefully at displayed artwork—their own and their classmates’—and talk about it using simple criteria. Students practice noticing neatness, use of color, and how easy it is to tell what the picture is about. They learn how to share what they like and one gentle suggestion using kind words. By the end, students can use a few simple criteria to give a short critique of displayed artwork and feel more confident talking about art they see around them.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to critique artwork in a kind way?
• How can simple criteria like neatness, use of color, and clear subject help us talk about art?
• How can we share what we like about an artwork and one thing that could be even better?
• Why is it important to use kind words when we talk about other people’s art on display?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use simple criteria (neatness, use of color, clear subject) to look at and talk about displayed artwork.
2. Describe at least one thing they notice and like about an artwork using art words.
3. Offer one gentle suggestion for improvement using sentence starters.
4. Participate in a short art critique of displayed work in a circle or gallery walk.
5. Show respectful listening and body language when classmates are talking about artwork.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Re9.1a — Use simple criteria such as neatness and use of color to talk about artwork.
  • Example: Students say what they like about a classmate’s artwork.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can look at artwork and talk about neatness, color, and clear subject.
• I can say one thing I like about displayed artwork.
• I can give kind feedback using a simple sentence starter.
• I can listen and look at the speaker when someone else is talking about art.
• I can use simple criteria to say how artwork could be even better.