Art Criticism in the Classroom

"Art criticism is the term given to talking writing and thinking about artworks." (The Arts and the Creation of Mind by Elliot Eisner Ch 22) It is important for kids to expand their minds. Teachers can ask questions that allow their kids to think in different ways such as, "what is it?" "What does it mean?" and "what is its value?" Also hearing other peoples points of views helps you learn to think in different ways as well. 


As I was looking for different ideas for why art criticism is important I found a lesson plan. Different ideas I found are to have them critique their own work by asking them questions such as 

• Look carefully at the work of art in front of you. What colors do you see in it? List the specific colors that you see.
• What objects do you see in the work of art in front of you? List the objects that you see.
• What is going on in this work of art? Mention whatever you see happening, no matter how small.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/elem/criticism.htm

I think kids learn more from critiquing their own work when they make it themselves than critiquing other peoples because they know how much work they put into it. 

 

Art and art criticism are important because "students will build skills gradually, which will help to build their confidence as artists and critical thinkers and will expand their knowledge base about art and the world, as they will have a wide variety of experiences in the visual arts." (http://www1.cbsd.org/curriculum/art/pages/elementaryart.aspx) Criticism usually sounds bad but when children get good feedback on their art it boosts their confidence and makes them feel good about themselves.