Unit Plan 8 (Grade 6 Art): Peer Critique & Revision
Revise Studio Project I through peer critique and criteria-based feedback to improve composition, craftsmanship, and clarity of artistic intent in Grade 6 art.
Focus: Revise artwork based on feedback to improve craftsmanship, organization, and clarity of ideas.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Critique & Revision • Studio Habits)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how to look closely at artwork, talk about it using simple criteria, and revise their own Studio Project I based on feedback. They practice giving and receiving constructive peer critique that focuses on composition, craftsmanship, and clarity of intent. Using checklists, sentence stems, and small-group discussions, students identify strengths and next steps in their artwork, then make intentional revisions. The unit ends with a revised Studio Project I and a reflection on how critique and revision improved the work.
Essential Questions
- What makes feedback helpful instead of hurtful?
- How can I use criteria (like composition and craftsmanship) to talk about artwork?
- How does peer critique help me see my own work in a new way?
- What does it mean to revise artwork, not just “fix mistakes”?
- How can I show growth by applying feedback to my Studio Project I?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use a simple critique checklist or rubric to evaluate artwork, focusing on composition, craftsmanship, and clarity of intent (VA:Re9.6a).
- Provide constructive feedback to peers using respectful language and evidence from the artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
- Identify at least two specific revision goals for their own Studio Project I based on peer and/or teacher feedback (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Revise artwork by adjusting composition, refining details, and improving craftsmanship while keeping original intent clear (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Reflect on how critique and revision changed their artwork and what they learned about improving art over time (VA:Cr3.6a, VA:Re9.6a).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.6a — Refine artwork through revision, incorporating feedback to improve craftsmanship and organization.
- Example: Students adjust proportions after critique discussion.
- 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 use a checklist or rubric to talk about strengths and next steps in artwork.
- I can give feedback that is specific, kind, and helpful, not just “I like it.”
- I can choose at least two changes to make my artwork stronger.
- I can show visible improvement in composition or craftsmanship after revising.
- I can explain how feedback and revision helped my Studio Project I grow.