This document provides a checklist for evaluating art lessons to avoid an approach focused solely on making art projects. The checklist includes 6 questions teachers should consider: 1) Does the lesson provide opportunities for creative thinking and developing ideas? 2) What art concepts are being taught or practiced? 3) Are there opportunities for imaginative interpretation and self-expression? 4) Does the lesson make cultural connections to the wider world of art? 5) How will completing this lesson help children develop their art literacy skills? 6) Is this lesson part of a broader unit of inquiry?

1. How to Avoid the
‘Making Stuff’
Approach
Dinham (2011, p. 143)

2. 1. What opportunities are
there for creative thinking and
ideas development?

3. 2. What art concepts are being
taught or practised?

4. 3. What opportunities for
imaginative interpretation and
self-expression are provided?

5. 4. How does this lesson make
cultural connections to the
wider world of art?

6. 5. How will completing this
lesson contribute to children
developing their art literacy?

7. 6. Is this unit part of a unit of
inquiry?