Art Critique and Reflection
Talking and writing about art helps students understand their own choices and see the work of others with fresh eyes. These critique task cards, reflection workbooks and artist statement guides make it routine, not scary.
Featured Ms Artastic lessons
Ready-to-teach lessons from my shop. Each card shows the grade range listed for that lesson.
Art Critique Task CardsGrades 5 to 8Two sets of prompts: viewing artworks and reflecting on your own.See the lesson
Art Critique WorkbookGrades 4 to 7Question pages, an Art Critique Cycle page, graphic organizers and a rubric.See the lesson
Artist Statement WorkbookGrades 4 to 7Brainstorming, drafting, revision and final copy pages for artist statements.See the lesson
Art Reflection WorkbookGrades 5 to 8Reflection pages on materials, elements, principles, message and growth.See the lesson
End of Year Art Reflections (Elementary)Grades 2 to 5An end of year art journal with 23 student pages.See the lesson
End of Year Art Reflections (Middle and High)Grades 6 to 9An end of year art journal for reflecting, doodling and goal-setting.See the lessonFree blog lessons and ideas
The Role of Critique in Art Education: How to Provide Constructive Feedback to KidsRead the post
How to Assess Artwork: Evaluating Creativity and Mastery in Young ArtistsRead the post
End of Year Reflection Activities for Elementary and Middle School StudentsRead the post
End of Year Art Teacher Reflection: Celebrate Creativity and Plan for Next YearRead the post
Reflective Teaching Strategies for Art Teachers, Teaching Strategies for Art EducatorsRead the post
Teaching Kids to Appreciate Art: Helping Them Develop Their Own Aesthetic PreferencesRead the postFree tools
Supplies and picture books
Picture books
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Questions teachers and parents ask
How do I run an art critique with kids?
A simple model is describe, analyze, interpret and judge. Students say what they see, how it is arranged, what it might mean, and what works well.
How do I keep critique kind?
Set sentence starters such as I notice, I wonder and One thing that works is. Model kind, specific feedback before students try it.
What is an artist statement?
A short piece of writing where the artist explains what they made, why, and the choices they made along the way.
When should students reflect on their art?
At the end of a project, at the end of a term, and at the end of the year. Short, regular reflection is easier than one big assignment.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.
More art lessons to explore
Classroom resources
Start and end of the year
