Paper plates are perfect canvases for preschool self-portraits. Let your children make their own paper plate portraits and learn about their characteristics and what makes them unique.
This is a perfect preschool art activity to use scrap materials from your other arts and crafts projects.
*this post contains affiliate links*
Portrait Art Paper Plates for Preschool
Taking a self-portrait is a fun activity when you have a me-theme topic in class. If you’re expanding your all about me lesson to all about me and my family, be sure to check out this awesome my family paper house craft, which tasks the kids with drawing their family .
Want more craft ideas – check out these fun paper plate crafts.
How to make self-portraits with paper plates in kindergarten
There are many ways you can go about creating these self-portraits.
What you need:
- paper plate
- paint
- paint brushes
- scissors/glue
- all the scraps you have – yarn, fabric, scraps of paper, buttons… Anything can be used for this art project. The more materials, the better.
Painting portraits on paper plates is one of those activities where you can really let your child get creative. Depending on your class, you can give them complete freedom or guide them through the creative process.
Tips on how to guide this art project
Begin the lesson by gathering preschoolers in a circle and introducing the concept of self-portraits. Explain that a self-portrait is a picture of themselves, showing off their unique characteristics and traits. Emphasize that everyone is different and special in their own way.
Engage children in conversations about their defining characteristics. Ask questions like “What color are your eyes?” “How is your hair?” “Do you have any freckles?” Encourage them to observe and talk about facial features, skin tone, and other unique features.
You can provide each child with a mirror or distribute small mirrors to share. Ask children to look closely at their faces and observe their distinctive features.
Give each child a paper plate and paint, crayons, markers or colored pencils (your choice), and other supplies. If you are working with scrap materials, you can also place them on a dedicated table and let the kids take what they need.
First, you can ask your child to sketch his features or ask him to paint his skin color on a paper plate. Facial details can be drawn or cut from scrap paper.
If necessary, you can help children cut their eyes, nose, mouth, hair…
You can also let children further personalize their self-portraits by adding decorative elements. Provide stickers, feathers, glitter, or other materials for them to enhance their artwork.
Once the self-portraits are complete, invite them to share their artwork with the class. Ask each child to describe their distinguishing features and what they like most about their self-portrait. Display self-portraits in the classroom or create a private space where children can proudly showcase their artwork.
Some examples of fun paper plate selfies
A sheet of painted paper with fibers used for hair.
The edges of the paper plate can be painted in the child’s favorite color instead of using it as part of the face.
If you’re working with older kids, you can also use paper plate self-portraits to explore different art styles and artists (Picasso is a fun choice).
Markers are great for kids with better fine motor skills, they can really add detail to their paper plate portraits.
The sky is the limit for children’s creativity.
Want instant access to all of our printable crafts, activities and resources?
With thousands of crafts, activities, worksheets, coloring pages, and drawing guides to print, you’ll always have the resources you need at hand. Perfect for both parents and teachers!
Sign up now and start printing!
Categories: Activities for Kids
Source: fetb.edu.vn