Creative Self-Portrait

Grade: Second · Subject: Art · Time: 60 min · Difficulty: Standard

Learning Objective

Students will express their identity by creating a self-portrait using the provided template, focusing on their unique features and personal details.

Teacher-Selected Inputs

Grade: Second
Subject: Art
Skill: Creative Expression, Observation and visual-detail noticing, Self-expression, Creative design and decoration
Educational Setting: General Education
Difficulty: Standard
Duration: 60 min

Why this printable fits

This printable provides a structured way for students to explore their individuality and creativity through the self-portrait activity.

Vocabulary

PRE-TEACH

Identity: Who you are.
Portrait: A drawing or picture of a person.
Creative Expression: Conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas through art.

USE DURING LESSON

Self-portrait
Draw
Decorate
Express
Me

Materials

Self Portrait template
Colored pencils or crayons
Mirrors or photos for reference

Prep

Print the Self Portrait template for each student.
Gather colored pencils or crayons for the class.

Lesson Steps

Introduction15 min
Teacher actions: Welcome students and introduce the self-portrait activity; display an example.
Teacher script: Today, we will create a self-portrait! Look at my example and think about the unique things that make you who you are.
Example / model: Show a completed example of a self-portrait highlighting unique features.
Printable use: Introduce the Self Portrait template and explain its significance in representing individuality.
Move on when: Ensure students understand what a self-portrait is and have their materials.
Support if needed: Provide guidance on choosing distinguishing features to include.
Guided Practice15 min
Teacher actions: Demonstrate how to outline distinctive facial features; circulate to assist students as they start.
Teacher script: Watch closely as I show you how to sketch your face with details that represent you.
Example / model: Demonstrate drawing distinctive features like hairstyle, eye shape, and expressions on the board.
Printable use: Guide students in beginning their self-portrait with mirrors or reference photos for accuracy.
Move on when: Check if students have started outlining recognizable features.
Support if needed: Offer suggestions on patterns or decorations that reflect their personality.
Independent Work15 min
Teacher actions: Students work on their portraits independently; encourage them to think creatively about details.
Teacher script: Now it’s your turn! Fill your self-portrait with colors and details that celebrate your identity!
Example / model: Encourage students to think about colors that represent them or symbols they love.
Printable use: Complete the self-portrait by coloring and adding personal artistic flair.
Move on when: Look for students incorporating colors and personal details that express themselves.
Support if needed: Share a vocabulary card with examples of words for colors and decorative elements.
Closure15 min
Teacher actions: Facilitate a sharing session where students present their portraits and talk about their choices.
Teacher script: Turn to your partner and share what makes your self-portrait special and unique.
Example / model: Students engaging in sharing, like explaining why they chose certain colors or decorations.
Printable use: Create a class gallery by displaying their portraits prominently for all to see.
Move on when: Observe students discussing their artwork and connecting it back to their identities.
Support if needed: Encourage use of sentence prompts for sharing, such as 'I chose this color because ___.

Formative Check

Step: Guided Practice
Ask students to: Demonstrate understanding by explaining their drawing choices to the teacher.
Look for: Students discussing how their features represent their identity.

Success Criteria

Students can identify at least 2 key details or vocabulary words connected to Art.
Students can explain one detail included that represents their identity.

Differentiation

Support: Use a word bank card with vocabulary to assist students in expressing their ideas.

Scaffold tool: Word Bank Card

Standard: Create a self-portrait that captures their unique identity using the template provided.

Extension: Incorporate symbols or designs that illustrate their interests or favorite activities around their portrait.

Early Finishers: Compose a few sentences that describe the meaning behind their chosen colors and decorations.

Accommodations

Use additional time for students who require it.
Allow partnerships for students needing assistance or encouragement.

Common Misconceptions

Some students may believe a self-portrait must be an exact likeness rather than a creative interpretation.

Assessment

Observe the unique details included in their self-portrait to assess understanding of self-expression.
Evaluate students' verbal reflections on their portraits during the sharing session.

Teacher Notes

Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions with peers.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.3: Write narratives that recount personal experiences.

IF SHORT ON TIME

Keep: Introduction and closure phases.
Skip or shorten: Condense the independent work phase by allowing group coloring sessions.

FOLLOW-UP OPTIONS

Explore various cultural art styles in portraiture.
Have students create a collaborative mural that represents the classroom community.
Organize an art exhibit showcasing their self-portraits during a school event.

HOME CONNECTION

Ask your child to create a self-portrait at home and share it with the family.

Source summary

Based on: Self Portrait

Printable summary (sanity check): This lesson plan utilizes a self-portrait template to facilitate creative expression and individuality among students.