Unit Plan 23 (Grade 3 Art): Portfolio Self-Assessment
Grade 3 art unit where students evaluate personal artwork using neatness, composition, and clarity, reflect on growth, and set goals.
Focus: Evaluate personal artwork using simple criteria such as neatness, composition, and clarity, and reflect on growth as an artist.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students look back at artwork they have created so far and practice being their own art critics. Using a simple checklist and kid-friendly criteria—neatness, composition, and clarity of idea—they evaluate their own pieces and notice how their skills have grown. Students learn that self-assessment is not about being “perfect,” but about seeing strengths, spotting next steps, and feeling proud of their progress as artists.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to evaluate my own artwork using clear criteria?
- How can looking closely at my work help me see my strengths and areas to grow?
- Why is it important for artists to think about neatness, composition, and clarity?
- How can self-assessment help me set goals for my future artwork?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Gather and organize a small portfolio of their own artwork from the year or term.
- Use a simple self-assessment checklist or rubric with criteria like neatness, composition, and clarity of idea to evaluate selected pieces.
- Identify at least one strength and one area for improvement in their artwork using specific evidence.
- Write or draw short reflections explaining what they are proud of and what they want to work on next.
- Set one simple art goal for future projects based on their self-assessment.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re9.3a — Evaluate artwork using simple criteria such as neatness, composition, and clarity.
- Example: Students use a checklist to assess peer artwork.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use a checklist or rubric to look at my artwork carefully.
- I can explain what I did well in my art using words like neatness, composition, and clarity.
- I can name one thing I want to improve and say why.
- I can write or draw a short reflection about my artwork and my growth.
- I can set a goal for my next artwork based on my self-assessment.