Lesson Plan
Superpower Self Portrait
Students will create a seasonal superhero self-portrait and articulate their unique strengths through guided art and journaling.
This 15-minute one-on-one activity builds self-awareness, confidence, and creative expression by connecting personal strengths to fun seasonal themes, easing students back into school life.
Audience
Pre-K Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
One-on-one guided art and reflection.
Materials
- Meet Your Super Me, - Design Your Cape, - My Superpower Note, - Self-Portrait Glow, - Crayons and Markers, and - Plain White Paper
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough copies of Design Your Cape for each student
- Print My Superpower Note journals
- Print or have ready the Self-Portrait Glow
- Queue the Meet Your Super Me slide deck on your display device
- Gather plain white paper, crayons, and markers for drawing
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Welcome the child and explain they will become a seasonal superhero today
- Briefly show the Meet Your Super Me slides to introduce the idea of unique strengths and seasons
Step 2
Reflection and Discussion
3 minutes
- Ask the child: “What makes you special or strong?”
- Guide them to think about a season (spring flowers, summer sun, autumn leaves, winter snow) that fits their superpower
Step 3
Design Your Superhero
7 minutes
- Give the child the Design Your Cape and art supplies
- Encourage them to draw their self-portrait as a superhero, adding seasonal elements and a cape
- While they draw, ask: “What is your superpower? How does it work?” and note their answers
Step 4
Journaling
2 minutes
- Help the child fill out their My Superpower Note with their name and superpower
- Ensure positive language and praise their ideas
Step 5
Feedback and Closure
1 minute
- Use the Self-Portrait Glow to highlight 2–3 strengths in their portrait and journaling
- Offer a sticker or verbal praise and celebrate their seasonal superhero identity
Slide Deck
Meet Your Super Me
Let’s discover your super strength and a season that fits you!
Welcome the child warmly: “Hi superhero! Today you’ll meet your Super Me! We’ll talk about your special powers and the seasons.”
What Is a Superpower?
A superpower is something special you can do!
Define ‘superpower’ in simple terms. Show a picture of a child helping another, or running fast. Ask: “What are you really good at?”
Choose Your Season
Pick a season that fits your superpower:
• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter
Display fun, colorful images for spring (flowers), summer (sun), autumn (leaves), and winter (snow). Ask the child to point to the season they like best.
Seasonal Superhero Examples
Spring Flower Hero • Summer Sun Hero
Autumn Leaf Hero • Winter Snow Hero
Show simple sketches or clip art of each seasonal superhero example. Describe each one briefly: “This hero brings flowers. This hero shines like the sun…”
Ready to Create?
Let’s draw your seasonal superhero!
Get your paper and crayons ready.
Encourage the child: “Now it’s your turn! Grab your paper, crayons, and let’s draw your seasonal superhero self-portrait!”
Worksheet
Design Your Cape
Instructions: Use your crayons or markers to create your seasonal superhero look!
- Draw Your Self-Portrait Here:
- Circle Your Season:
( ) Spring ( ) Summer ( ) Autumn ( ) Winter
- Design Your Cape Here:
- Add Decorations! Draw things from your season around your cape (flowers, sun, leaves, snowflakes):
Journal
My Superpower Note
- My name is: ____________________
- My superpower is: ____________________
- Why my superpower is special:
- How I feel when I use my superpower:
- Draw your superpower in action below:
Rubric
Self-Portrait Glow Rubric
Use this quick 3-point rubric to celebrate each child’s work and guide feedback.
| Criteria | 3 – Exceeds Expectations | 2 – Meets Expectations | 1 – Emerging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artistic Expression | • Vibrant, varied colors and bold strokes • Thoughtful details (faces, accessories) | • Clear use of color and recognizable shapes • Some details included | • Basic shapes and lines • Limited color use |
| Seasonal Connection | • Seasonal elements prominently featured (flowers, sun, leaves, snow) • Creative integration into portrait | • At least one seasonal symbol drawn • Season is identifiable | • Seasonal theme unclear or missing |
| Superpower Explanation | • Child’s superpower clearly shown in art and journaling • Explanation is detailed and imaginative | • Superpower named and briefly described • Visible in drawing | • Superpower mentioned but description is vague or incomplete |
Teacher Feedback
- Highlights:
- Next Steps:
“Great work celebrating your unique strength! Keep exploring how your superpower makes you shine.”
Warm Up
Superhero Stretch
Get ready to power up your bodies and imaginations before we dive into creating our Seasonal Superheroes! This quick, 5-minute movement break helps Pre-K students wake up their muscles, focus their minds, and start class with energy and fun.
Objective
Help children warm up and engage in a thematic, playful way by mimicking superhero moves and stretches.
Time
• 5 minutes
Materials
• Open space (cleared of desks or chairs)
• Optional upbeat music (superhero theme tune)
Warm-Up Moves
- Stand in a circle or along a wall with plenty of arm room.
- Rocket Reach (30 seconds)
- Inhale deeply as you stretch arms overhead like a rocket launching.
- Exhale and bring arms down—repeat.
- Hero Side Stretch (30 seconds per side)
- Feet hip-width apart.
- Reach right arm up and lean left, feeling a gentle side stretch.
- Switch sides.
- Mighty Chest Opener (30 seconds)
- Clasp hands behind your back.
- Lift arms slightly to open the chest like you’re showing off your hero emblem.
- Power Squat (30 seconds)
- Feet wide like a superhero stance.
- Bend knees into a squat, keeping back straight—pretend you’re landing after a super jump!
- Flight Pose Hold (30 seconds)
- One leg back, arms outstretched like wings.
- Balance and hold—imagine you’re soaring through the sky!
- Calm-Down Breaths (30 seconds)
- Bring feet together.
- Place hands on the belly and take three slow, deep breaths.
Teacher Tips
- Demo each move with enthusiasm—use sound effects ("whoosh!", "boom!") to engage little heroes.
- Encourage safe movement by reminding students to move slowly if they feel unsteady.
- Praise any effort: “Great rocket reach—you’re clearing clouds!”
Now that everyone is stretched and energized, let’s transition to our art area to design our Seasonal Superheroes’ self-portraits!