5 Best Self-Portrait Lessons: The Ultimate Roundup for Teachers

Looking for a cheerful and colorful self-portrait lesson can be stressful and overwhelming at times, especially when there seems to be a lot to choose from. No need to keep looking for a great self-portrait lesson because everything you need is right here. Below is a roundup of my best Party in the Art Room self-portrait posts.

How to Never Look for Another Cheerful and Colorful Self-Portrait Lesson Again

The Anyone-Can-Do-It Self-Portrait Lesson

This particular lesson is based on Paul Klee’s abstract portrait titled Senecio. The portrait is hairless, colorful, and has angular features. The elements of the lesson for kids mimic his style while offering open-ended tasks as well. As an added bonus, this lesson also features writing and language activities that reflect on and require thinking about the artwork and artistic process.

The Too-Cool-For-School Self-Portraits Lesson

This one is good for middle schoolers who think they are too old for cutesy projects but not developmentally ready for more advanced stuff. Not only does this add math integration, but it also helps build students’ confidence in being able to draw detailed pictures.

They are able to break down photos using the “grid” and tackle them by drawing small sections at a time. Because students can sometimes get overwhelmed with drawing realia pictures, using a grid will help ease some of that stress.

The Foodies-Have-It Self-Portrait Project

This one is so much fun because we can incorporate our fave foods. Students could identify the plants and animals in the painting. You could discuss the features of the plants in Arcimboldo’s paintings and the importance of science in that period. Summer was painted at the dawn of scientific disciplines like biology and zoology. It was a time when artists were also showing their scientific knowledge.

The Animal Lover's Self Portrait Lesson

These easy animal portraits are sure to be a hit with your students. It works perfectly if you are wanting to do an animal-themed unit study and allow students to choose their favorite animal. They are also great for teaching different art-related techniques.

The Elementary Go-To Self Portrait Lesson

It just always looks so good and isn't very difficult at all! I was intrigued and super impressed, especially since this was a lesson for second graders! I just had to know more about it. I reached out to Tara for the details, and she graciously arranged for me to share them with you on this blog.

Final Thoughts

These self-portrait lessons are sure to keep your students engaged in the amazing world of art all while learning valuable lessons. Use them when you’re looking for easy, fun, and educational lessons for your students.

I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.

Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!

I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.

Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!

Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.

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3 Favorite Hallway Student Work Displays for Showcasing Artwork at School