Lesson Plan
The Self-Portrait Project Lesson Plan
Students will develop self-awareness by identifying personal values and goals and expressing these through a layered self-portrait. By lesson’s end, each student will complete a multi-layered artwork reflecting their identity and articulate one insight about themselves.
Building self-awareness helps 2nd graders recognize their strengths, feelings, and values. Integrating art and reflection fosters emotional literacy, self-confidence, and a positive classroom culture aligned with CASEL competencies.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Art-based reflection through layered self-portraits
Materials
White Drawing Paper (20 Sheets), Colored Pencils, Markers, Construction Paper, Scissors, Glue Sticks, Layered Self-Portrait Guide, Portrait Reflection Criteria, and Artful Identities Slide Deck
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print one copy per student of the Layered Self-Portrait Guide and the Portrait Reflection Criteria
- Queue the Artful Identities Slide Deck on the projector or interactive whiteboard
- Organize art supplies at each table for easy access
Step 1
Introduction
10 minutes
- Welcome students and discuss self-awareness: “What makes you unique?”
- Introduce today’s project: creating a self-portrait layered with values and goals
- Display slides 1–3 of the Artful Identities Slide Deck to define self-awareness and its importance
Step 2
Modeling and Demonstration
10 minutes
- Show a teacher-created example of a layered self-portrait
- Walk through the steps in the Layered Self-Portrait Guide:
- Base Layer: draw your portrait outline
- Middle Layer: add symbols or words for personal values
- Top Layer: illustrate future goals or dreams
- Demonstrate layering using a transparency or document camera
Step 3
Art Creation
25 minutes
- Distribute art supplies and the Layered Self-Portrait Guide
- Students draw their portrait, then add value symbols and goal illustrations on layered paper
- Circulate to support, asking questions like “Which value is most important to you?” and “What goal do you have this year?”
Step 4
Reflection and Sharing
10 minutes
- Gather students in a circle to share one element from their portrait
- Use the Portrait Reflection Criteria for peers to give positive feedback
- Ask each student to state one new insight they learned about themselves
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Clean-Up
5 minutes
- Summarize key takeaway: self-awareness through art enriches understanding of identity
- Remind students to take their portraits home to share with family
- Guide students in cleaning up art materials and workspaces
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Artful Identities: Self-Portrait Project
A creative journey to explore who you are through art and reflection.
Welcome everyone! Today we begin our Artful Identities project. We’ll explore self-awareness by creating layered self-portraits that show who you are today and who you want to become. Encourage excitement and creativity!
What Is Self-Awareness?
- Understanding your thoughts and feelings
- Recognizing your personal strengths and values
Introduce the term self-awareness. Ask: “How do you know what you’re feeling?”
Why Self-Awareness Matters
- Helps you make choices that reflect your values
- Builds confidence and emotional literacy
- Strengthens our classroom community
Highlight benefits for students and community.
Materials You’ll Need
- White Drawing Paper
- Colored Pencils & Markers
- Construction Paper
- Scissors & Glue Sticks
- Layered Self-Portrait Guide
- Portrait Reflection Criteria
Quickly run through the supplies so students can gather everything before we start.
Project Steps Overview
- Base Layer: Draw your portrait outline
- Middle Layer: Add symbols or words for your personal values
- Top Layer: Illustrate your goals or dreams
Give a bird’s-eye view of the three art layers.
Step 1: Base Layer
Draw the outline of your face and shoulders on white drawing paper.
Think: What features make you instantly recognizable?
Guide students to focus first on shape and proportion. Model sketching a simple oval, eyes, nose, mouth.
Step 2: Middle Layer – Values
Use construction paper to add shapes, symbols, or words that represent what matters most to you.
Prompt: Which value do you want others to see first?
Encourage use of color and simple shapes. Remind students to refer to their values list.
Step 3: Top Layer – Goals
Illustrate a goal or dream for this school year on the top layer.
Prompt: What is one thing you’d like to accomplish?
Prompt future-oriented thinking. Ask students to imagine themselves achieving this goal.
Reflection & Sharing
- Share one element you added and why
- Give positive feedback using the Portrait Reflection Criteria
- Describe one new insight you learned about yourself
Prepare to wrap up. Remind students of the reflection rubric.
Project Guide
Layered Self-Portrait Guide
Use this step-by-step guide to create a self-portrait in three transparent layers. On each layer, focus on a different part of your identity: who you are now, what you value, and what you hope to become!
Materials You’ll Need
- White drawing paper (for Base Layer)
- Colored pencils or markers
- Construction paper (for Middle Layer)
- Scissors & glue sticks
- Pencil & eraser
- A stack of transparencies (or deli paper) to layer drawings
Step 1: Base Layer – “Who Am I?”
- Place your white drawing paper on your desk.
- Lightly sketch the outline of your head and shoulders. Focus on shapes:
- How round is your face?
- Where are your eyes, nose, mouth?
- Add details that make you recognizable: hair style, glasses, freckles, etc.
- Outline with marker or darker pencil so your portrait stands out.
Give yourself space to draw:
Step 2: Middle Layer – “What Do I Value?”
- Think of 3–5 personal values (e.g., kindness, creativity, honesty, family).
- On construction paper, draw or write symbols/words that represent each value.
- Example: a heart for kindness, a paintbrush for creativity
- Carefully cut out your shapes or words.
- Arrange them on top of your Base Layer. Test placement before gluing:
- Which value should be closest to your face?
- Glue the cutouts onto a transparency so your Base Layer remains visible beneath.
Space to plan your symbols:
Step 3: Top Layer – “What Are My Goals?”
- Think of one or two goals you have this year (e.g., read 20 books, learn to ride a bike, make new friends).
- On a fresh transparency, illustrate a scene or symbol that shows you achieving that goal.
- Example: You holding a book, you riding a bike
- Use color and detail to show action and hopefulness.
- Layer this sheet on top so your goals appear in front of your values and portrait.
Draw your goal here:
Final Assembly & Reflection
- Stack your three layers in order:
- Bottom: Base Layer (portrait)
- Middle: Values Layer
- Top: Goals Layer
- Secure edges with tape or staples.
- Reflection Questions:
- Which part of your portrait was most fun to create?
- What did you learn about yourself through this project?
- How do your values and goals work together to show who you are?
Write one sentence about each:
Great work! You’ve created a multi-layered self-portrait that shows who you are, what you value, and what you hope to accomplish. Hang it up to remind yourself of your strengths and dreams!
Rubric
Portrait Reflection Criteria
Use this rubric to guide your feedback when classmates share their layered self-portraits and reflections. Circle the level that best describes each criterion and add a specific comment.
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Good | 2 – Fair | 1 – Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value Explanation | Clearly names 3+ values, explains why each is important. | Names 2 values with clear reasons. | Names 1 value, reason unclear or incomplete. | Does not name a personal value or explanation is missing. |
| Goal Connection | Illustrates a goal and makes a strong connection to values. | Illustrates a goal and mentions a connection to values. | Goal is shown but connection to values is weak or unclear. | No clear goal or no connection to personal values. |
| Self-Insight | Shares a thoughtful, new insight about self with examples. | Shares a clear insight but with limited detail. | Insight is vague or only restates the project steps. | Does not share any new insight about self. |
| Artistic Effort | Portrait layers show creativity, neatness, and careful effort. | Portrait is neat, with some creative details. | Portrait is completed but shows minimal detail or care. | Portrait is incomplete or lacks effort in layering and presentation. |
How to Use:
- For each criterion, circle the number (4, 3, 2, or 1).
- In the space below, write one thing you liked and one question to learn more:
What I liked:
I wonder… (question):