Unit Plan 24 (Grade 8 Art): Critique Like a Curator
Grade 8 art critique unit where students use structured protocols and criteria to evaluate peer artwork, think like curators, and give evidence-based feedback.
Focus: Apply structured critique methods to peer artwork, using clear criteria and evidence-based feedback similar to how a museum curator or art critic evaluates and discusses art.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Critique & Communication • Curatorial Thinking)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn to “think like a curator” by practicing structured, respectful art critique. Instead of saying “I like it” or “It’s bad,” they learn to use established criteria—such as craftsmanship, composition, originality, and communication—to talk about artwork in precise, helpful ways. Using sentence stems, rubrics, and small-group protocols, students analyze sample works and then apply the same methods to peer artwork. By the end, they can give and receive critique that feels more like a professional review and less like simple opinion, and they understand how strong critique helps artists grow.
Essential Questions
- What makes art critique useful instead of just opinion or judgment?
- How do criteria like craftsmanship, composition, originality, and communication help us evaluate artwork fairly?
- How do curators and critics use evidence from the artwork to support their interpretations and decisions?
- How can I give respectful, specific feedback that helps a peer improve their work?
- How can I use critique to make stronger artistic decisions in my current and future projects?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe and use evaluation criteria (craftsmanship, composition, originality, communication) to discuss artwork in a structured way (VA:Re9.8a).
- Apply a critique protocol (e.g., Describe–Analyze–Interpret–Evaluate or TAG) to sample artworks using evidence-based language.
- Participate in peer critique sessions, giving and receiving feedback that is specific, respectful, and connected to criteria.
- Take on the role of a curator, selecting student artworks and writing brief “curatorial comments” or label-style feedback using rubric language.
- Revise or plan revisions to their own artwork based on critique, noting at least one change they would make and why.
- Reflect on the critique process, explaining how structured feedback supports artistic growth and confidence.
Standards Alignment — 8th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re9.8a — Evaluate artwork using established criteria such as craftsmanship, composition, originality, and effectiveness of communication.
- Example: Students use a rubric to critique peer artwork and provide evidence-based feedback tied to each criterion.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what craftsmanship, composition, originality, and communication mean in a critique.
- I can use a critique protocol to talk about artwork in stages (describe, analyze, interpret, evaluate).
- I can give peers specific feedback that mentions strengths and areas for growth and is based on what I see.
- I can act like a curator, choosing artworks and explaining why they are strong using rubric language.
- I can explain at least one change or next step in my own artwork that comes directly from peer critique.