The Olathe, Kansas District Schools, Curriculum Guide, K-6, includes a child’s checklist
for evaluating his or her own art work (Example 58). Fifteen questions cause the student
to reflect critically on what he or she has accomplished and what might have been done
differently. The artwork itself is addressed in a variety of ways, the artist’s intention is
questioned, problems of execution are probed, and reflections on what has been learned
and what can be applied to another art experience are asked for.
The practice of self-evaluation can build valuable critical thinking skills. It can also give
students confidence in their own ability to make aesthetic decisions.
Example 58: Olathe, Kansas District SchoolsA CHILD’S CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING HIS/HER OWN ART WORK
Did I enjoy making my art work?
Could I have made any part more interesting? How?
How did I fill the page with my picture?
How did the colors I used give my work the right feeling?
Would I use the same colors again?
Are the figures or objects the right size for my idea?
Did I need more information about my subject to show my idea better?
Did I use enough details to express what I had on my mind?
What problems did I have with the idea and how did I solve them?
What problems did I have with the materials or tools and how did I
solve them?
In what new ways did I learn to use the tools and materials?
In what new ways did I use lines, shapes, colors, or textures?
Would my idea have fit better on a tall paper, a long paper, a round paper,
or a small paper?If I were to make another work about a similar topic, how would I make it
differently?Do I need to think more carefully about how I feel about the subject as well
as how it looks?