Unit Plan 23 (Grade 4 Art): Portfolio Self-Assessment
Grade 4 art unit on self-assessment, where students evaluate artwork using craftsmanship, composition, and clarity to identify strengths, growth, and future goals.
Focus: Evaluate personal artwork using clear criteria (craftsmanship, composition, clarity of idea) to recognize strengths, growth, and next steps.
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 step into the role of art reviewers for their own work. Using simple, shared criteria—such as craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of idea—they examine pieces from their art folders to see how their skills have grown. Students learn to use checklists and reflection prompts to notice what is working well, where they can improve, and how they might set a specific goal for future projects. The focus is on honest, kind self-assessment that celebrates effort and growth.
Essential Questions
- How can using criteria like craftsmanship, composition, and clarity help me evaluate my own artwork fairly?
- What does “effective” artwork look like, and how can I tell when mine is improving?
- Why is it important for artists to reflect on their work and notice both strengths and areas for growth?
- How can self-assessment help me set realistic art goals for the rest of this year and beyond?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe and use simple evaluation criteria (craftsmanship, composition, clarity of idea) when looking at artwork.
- Sort and select pieces from their personal portfolio to review and discuss.
- Use a checklist or rubric to evaluate at least two of their own artworks, providing specific examples as evidence.
- Write short reflection statements for selected pieces that name strengths and one area for improvement.
- Set at least one personal art goal based on self-assessment and explain how they will work toward it in future projects.
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 of idea mean in artwork.
- I can use a checklist to evaluate my own artwork and give at least one specific example to support my rating.
- I can choose pieces from my portfolio that show how I have grown as an artist.
- I can write or say a reflection that names a strength and an area for improvement for at least one artwork.
- I can set a clear art goal and explain how it connects to what I noticed in my portfolio.