Unit Plan 31 (Grade 6 Art): Formal Exhibition Critique
Grade 6 art critique unit where students evaluate exhibited artwork using simple criteria and write evidence-based TAG feedback to support artists’ growth and reflection.
Focus: Evaluate displayed works using criteria and provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Critique • Reflection)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how to view artwork as thoughtful critics, not just as creators. Building on their exhibition work, they use simple criteria—such as craftsmanship, composition, and communication of idea—to evaluate artworks in a formal exhibition critique. Through guided gallery walks, discussion, and writing, students practice giving specific, kind, and helpful feedback supported by what they see in the art. By the end of the unit, each student completes a written Formal Exhibition Critique of one displayed piece using established criteria.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to critique artwork in a helpful and respectful way?
- How can criteria (like craftsmanship, composition, and clarity of idea) guide our judgments about artwork?
- Why is it important to use evidence from the artwork when giving feedback?
- How can formal critique help artists improve and help viewers understand artwork more deeply?
- How does practicing critique strengthen my own art-making and reflection skills?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Explain what a critique is and identify at least three simple criteria for evaluating artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
- Use a checklist or rubric to evaluate displayed artwork, noting specific strengths and areas for improvement (VA:Re9.6a).
- Provide constructive feedback using a structure such as TAG (Tell, Ask, Give a suggestion) with evidence from the artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
- Write a short Formal Exhibition Critique that uses criteria and specific visual evidence to evaluate one artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
- Reflect on how critique helps both the artist and the viewer better understand artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re9.6a — Evaluate artwork using simple criteria and provide constructive feedback.
- Example: Students use a checklist to critique clarity and composition.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name at least three criteria (like craftsmanship, composition, or communication of idea) for evaluating artwork.
- I can use a checklist or rubric to describe what is working well in an artwork and what could be improved.
- I can give helpful feedback that is specific, kind, and based on what I actually see in the artwork.
- I can write a Formal Exhibition Critique that uses criteria and visual evidence to support my thoughts.
- I can explain how critique helps artists grow and helps viewers see more in an artwork.