Grade 3: Self-Portraits in Chalk
This was one of my favourite experiences in the classroom this year. They are such a delightful group of children, right from the moment I walk into the classroom. True to form, even though they may not always have the skill level, they approached the lesson with enthusiasm and a willingness to try. Awesome! I realized as I was introducing it, that they were just doing selfies. When I mentioned that word, the lights went on and they were all over it. Don’t have a camera? No problem.
We gave each student a small hand mirror and a large piece of paper. We talked about observing the particulars of their faces – the shape of their head, the colour and shape of their eyes and mouth, even the colour of their skin. This was to be a ‘head shot’, with only the shoulders in the picture frame. We started with a line drawing in pencil, and then they could go over those lines in – you got it – Sharpie marker.
I showed them how to mix the colours of chalk right on the page, starting with themselves, and then finishing with background.
I love the individuality of each drawing, and the personalities that result! This was a great project with a very special class.
Winter 2014 / Ferndale Elementary School
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