Unit Plan 23 (Grade 6 Art): Portfolio Self-Assessment
Grade 6 art reflection unit where students evaluate portfolios using clear criteria to identify strengths, set goals, and track artistic growth over time.
Focus: Evaluate personal work using simple criteria to recognize strengths, identify areas for growth, and set next-step goals.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Reflection • Assessment & Growth)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students shift from “just making art” to thinking like reflective artists who can look at their own work with kind but honest eyes. They learn to use simple criteria—such as craftsmanship, composition, creativity, and effort—to evaluate their artworks and explain why something is strong or needs improvement. By reviewing a small portfolio of their pieces, students practice writing and talking about their growth and set specific goals for future projects.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to evaluate my own artwork using clear criteria instead of just saying “I like it” or “I don’t”?
- How can self-assessment help me recognize my strengths and areas where I want to grow as an artist?
- Why is it important to use kind, specific, and helpful language when talking about my own work?
- How can looking at more than one piece in a portfolio show my progress over time?
- What kind of goals can I set based on what I notice about my artwork?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe what criteria are and use a simple class checklist or rubric to evaluate sample artwork (VA:Re9.6a).
- Apply simple criteria (e.g., craftsmanship, composition, creativity, effort) to evaluate their own artwork, giving at least one specific reason for each rating (VA:Re9.6a).
- Review a small portfolio (3–4 pieces) and identify patterns in their strengths and areas for improvement (VA:Re9.6a).
- Use self-assessment notes to write a short reflection explaining how their work has changed or improved over time (VA:Re9.6a).
- Set one or two clear, realistic goals for future art projects based on their portfolio review (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 explain what criteria are and how they help me judge art fairly.
- I can use a checklist or rubric to evaluate my artwork and give specific reasons for my ratings.
- I can look at several of my artworks together and notice patterns in what I do well and what I want to improve.
- I can write or talk about my art using kind, honest, and specific language.
- I can set at least one realistic art goal based on what I learned from my portfolio.