Unit Plan 17 (Grade 6 Art): Refinement Workshop
Grade 6 art revision unit where students use critique feedback to refine craftsmanship, strengthen composition, and improve clarity through intentional revisions.
Focus: Revise work to improve craftsmanship and clarity by incorporating feedback and reorganizing compositions.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Revision & Craftsmanship • Studio Habits)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students use feedback from previous critiques to revise and refine their artwork. They learn that strong art often comes from multiple drafts, not just a first try. Using checklists, rubrics, and peer comments, students make targeted changes to improve craftsmanship (neatness, control, detail) and organization (composition, balance, focal point). By the end of the week, they see how thoughtful revision can clarify their ideas and raise the overall quality of their work.
Essential Questions
- How can revision improve the quality and clarity of my artwork?
- What does it look like to improve craftsmanship in a drawing or painting?
- How can I use feedback from others to make specific changes instead of starting over?
- Why is organization/composition important for helping viewers understand my work?
- How does revising artwork help me grow as an artist over time?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Review critique notes and identify specific areas (craftsmanship, composition, clarity) to improve in their artwork (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Create a simple revision plan that lists at least two concrete changes they will make (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Revise artwork by improving craftsmanship (cleaner lines, smoother color/value, more intentional detail) (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Revise artwork by improving organization (stronger focal point, better balance, clearer background/foreground) (VA:Cr3.6a).
- Reflect on how their changes improved the piece and how revision skills can be used in future projects (VA:Cr3.6a).
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.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can look at my artwork and name at least two areas I want to improve.
- I can use feedback to make specific changes, not just small touch-ups.
- I can show better craftsmanship (neater coloring, clearer lines, more controlled shading).
- I can improve my composition so the viewer knows where to look first.
- I can explain how my revisions made my artwork clearer or stronger.