Unit Plan 9 (Grade 4 Art): Finalize & Reflect — Project I
Grade 4 art unit where students complete and reflect on finished artwork, using criteria to evaluate craftsmanship, composition, and improvement through thoughtful design.
Focus: Complete artwork and reflect on improvement, showing planning, effort, and thoughtful use of design elements while evaluating work with simple criteria.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating/Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students bring Studio Project I — Composition Focus to completion and then pause to look carefully at their own growth. They focus on polishing details, strengthening composition, and checking their work against simple criteria for craftsmanship, composition, and clarity. Students then complete a short self-evaluation and reflection, using art vocabulary to explain how their artwork has improved and what they learned from the project.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to finish an artwork with strong craftsmanship and careful details?
- How can I use criteria (craftsmanship, composition, clarity) to fairly judge my own artwork?
- How have I improved as an artist from planning to final project?
- Why is it important to reflect on my artwork and my choices, not just say “I’m done”?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Complete a Studio Project I artwork that shows planning, effort, and thoughtful composition.
- Use a simple checklist or rubric to evaluate their artwork for craftsmanship, composition, and clarity.
- Identify at least one area of strength and one area for future growth in their work.
- Write or share a short artist reflection explaining important design choices and improvements.
- Show that they understand that finishing well includes both careful artwork and thoughtful reflection.
Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.4b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, effort, and thoughtful application of design elements.
- Example: Students finalize a collage showing intentional composition.
- VA:Re9.4a — Evaluate artwork using simple criteria such as craftsmanship, composition, and clarity.
- Example: Students use a checklist to assess artwork effectiveness.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can finish my Studio Project I artwork with neatness and care.
- I can use a checklist to think about my craftsmanship, composition, and clarity.
- I can name one thing I did well and one thing I want to get better at in my art.
- I can write or say a short artist reflection about my choices and improvements.
- I can show that I understand finishing, evaluating, and reflecting are all parts of being an artist.