Unit Plan 31 (Grade 5 Art): Formal Critique of Displayed Work
Grade 5 art critique unit where students evaluate displayed artwork using evidence-based criteria—craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message—to give structured, respectful feedback.
Focus: Use evidence-based criteria to formally evaluate artwork, focusing on craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message in displayed pieces.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Responding/Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students step into the role of art critics, learning how to respond to displayed artwork in a respectful, structured, and evidence-based way. Using class displays or sample images, they practice applying clear criteria—such as craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message—and supporting their opinions with visual evidence (“I see… so I think…”). By the end of the unit, students will be able to participate in a formal critique, using checklists and sentence stems to give feedback that helps artists grow.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to evaluate artwork using clear criteria instead of just saying “I like it” or “I don’t like it”?
- How can I use craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message to guide my critique?
- Why is it important to support my opinions with evidence from what I see in the artwork?
- How can formal critique help both the viewer and the artist better understand the artwork?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe criteria for evaluating artwork, including craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message.
- Use a critique checklist to evaluate displayed artworks and record evidence-based observations.
- Give specific feedback using sentence stems that connect what they see in the artwork to the criteria.
- Participate in a structured critique discussion, listening respectfully and building on others’ ideas.
- Reflect on how critique can inform their future art-making and presentation choices.
Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re9.5a — Evaluate artwork using criteria such as craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of message.
- Example: Students use a checklist to assess peer work.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use clear criteria (craftsmanship, composition, message) to talk about artwork.
- I can support my opinions with evidence, saying what I see in the art that makes me think that.
- I can use a critique checklist to help me organize my thoughts about a displayed piece.
- I can share feedback in a respectful, helpful way during a critique.
- I can explain how critique can help me improve my own artwork in the future.