Unit Plan 31 (Grade 4 Art): Formal Critique of Displayed Work
Grade 4 art unit where students evaluate artwork using simple criteria—craftsmanship, composition, and clarity—supporting judgments with evidence-based reasoning in respectful critiques.
Focus: Evaluate artwork using simple criteria and evidence-based reasoning, explaining judgments about craftsmanship, composition, and clarity.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn to look at artwork like thoughtful critics, using clear criteria to guide their opinions. Using displayed class work and sample images, they practice talking about craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of idea in respectful, specific ways. Students learn to support their comments with evidence from what they actually see—lines, colors, details, and organization—rather than just saying “I like it” or “I don’t like it.” By the end, they can participate in a simple, evidence-based critique that helps artists grow.
Essential Questions
- How can we use criteria like craftsmanship, composition, and clarity to talk about artwork fairly?
- What does it mean to use evidence from the artwork instead of just saying “I like it” or “I don’t like it”?
- How can respectful critique help artists improve and feel supported at the same time?
- Why is it important for artists and viewers to explain why an artwork is effective or could be stronger?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe simple criteria for evaluating artwork (craftsmanship, composition, clarity of message).
- Use these criteria to make observations about displayed artworks, naming specific visual details.
- Give evidence-based feedback using sentence frames that connect criteria and observations (“This is clear because I see…”).
- Participate in a structured critique protocol (such as TAG or “Glow & Grow”) using respectful language.
- Reflect on how critique feedback can inform future art decisions and improvements.
Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- 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 explain what craftsmanship, composition, and clarity mean in art.
- I can describe what I see in an artwork using specific details, not just “I like it.”
- I can use criteria and evidence to say why a part of an artwork is strong or could improve.
- I can give critique that is respectful and helpful, not hurtful.
- I can use feedback from a critique to think about how to improve my current or future art.