Year 7 students can really improve their art critique skills by giving and getting helpful feedback on their artworks. Critiquing art isn’t just about pointing out mistakes—it's about having a discussion that helps everyone grow and be more creative. Here are some easy strategies they can use:

1. Set Up a Critique Guide: Encourage students to follow a simple structure during critique sessions. This can include:

• Observation: Start by saying what they see without judging it.
• Interpretation: Talk about what feelings or ideas the artwork shows.
• Evaluation: Share thoughts on what’s good about the artwork and what could be better.
• Suggestions: Give helpful ideas on how to improve certain parts.

2. Listen Actively: It’s important for students to really listen. When they get feedback, they should:

• Pay attention to what’s being said without thinking of a reply until the other person is done.
• Think about the feedback by summarizing the main points to make sure they get it.
• Ask questions to understand suggestions or worries from classmates better.

3. Create a Supportive Environment: Students need to feel safe and respected during critiques. Set up rules that encourage:

• Encouragement: Let students share their thoughts in a positive way.
• Respect: Make sure all feedback is kind and focuses on the artwork, not personal traits.
• Constructiveness: Avoid mean comments and promote helpful suggestions that encourage growth.

4. Hold Peer Review Sessions: Have regular peer review sessions where students show their work and get feedback. This can be done in several ways:

• Small groups for a more personal setting.
• Pairs for deeper one-on-one conversations.
• Class critiques to build a sense of community and shared learning.

5. Reflect and Write It Down: After each critique, students should take time to think about the feedback they got. Encourage them to:

• Write down important points from the critique to track how they are getting better.
• Set specific goals for their next projects based on the feedback.
• Figure out how to use suggestions in their next artwork.

6. Include Art History: Teach students about famous art critiques and movements to deepen their understanding. Show them how critics in the past influenced artists' styles and careers, showing the power of feedback in the creative process.

By using these methods, Year 7 students can enhance their art critique skills. This helps them not only improve their artwork but also turn art into a shared adventure, boosting both personal expression and group learning.