My Book and Me

Compare and contrast books about children then choose your favorite to incorporate into a life-size self-portrait.

• 1.

  Examine self-portraits done by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo daVinci, Frieda Kahlo, and Mary Cassatt. What qualities did they highlight about themselves?

• 2.

  Use Crayola® Scissors and several pieces of construction paper to cut out a life-size portrait of yourself, including your shoulders, arms, body, and legs. Connect the pieces with Crayola Washable Glue Sticks. Decorate your self-portrait with Crayola Washable Markers and Multicultural Markers. Include details such as eye color, hairstyle, and favorite clothing. Attach decorative craft materials such as yarn, beads, and buttons with Crayola School Glue.

• 3.

  Cut out a construction paper replica of the cover of one of your favorite books. Draw the title and cover illustration. Glue the book to your portrait's hands, as if you were reading it.

Benefits

• Children read a variety of books about children's lives, compare and contrast their own experiences with those described in the stories, and choose a favorite book title.
• Students study famous artists' self-portraits to examine details, settings, and moods.
• Students create a self-portrait of themselves reading, with a book cover as one of their self-defining features.

Adaptations

• Ask your family to find your self-portrait and favorite book in your seat at an open house.
• Best friends make portraits of each other. What do you remember without asking or looking. What is his or her favorite book?
• Write a book about you and put it in your hands. What are some of the most interesting things you have done? What people are most important to you? What are your dreams?