Thinking sheet · Plan and reflect

Be a Kind Art Critic

Look at a friend’s drawing like a museum critic: describe it, praise it, ask a question and give it a title.

Grades
1–5
Time
about 20 minutes
Kids practice
describing art, giving kind feedback, art vocabulary

What kids do

“You are an art critic today. Look closely at a drawing and be kind and specific.”

  1. Artist:
  2. My title for it:
  3. I see… (describe it without saying if it’s good)
  4. I like… because…
  5. A question for the artist:
  6. Give it stars for effort

How to run it

  • Practice on one of your own drawings first, out loud.
  • Ban “it’s good” and “it’s cool”: ask what makes it good.
  • Pass each sheet back to the artist to read.

Talk about it

  • What is the difference between describing and judging?
  • Which comment would you like to hear about your own art?
  • Did the artist’s answer surprise you?

Take it further

Hold a gallery walk where every drawing gets one critic sheet.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

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