Me Dolls: Mixed-Media Self-Portrait Doll

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on learning.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Pre cut doll shapes from sturdy cardstock (various sizes to represent different family members)

Yarn (various colours for hair)

Fabric scraps (for clothing)

Buttons (various sizes and colours for eyes and decoration)

Glue sticks

Child safe scissors

Crayons or washable markers

Photographs of the children and their family members

Small pieces of felt or sugar paper

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to identify and express key features of themselves and their family members.

Children will practise fine motor skills by cutting, gluing, and decorating.

Children will develop self awareness and positive self regard by creating a representation of themselves.

Children will begin to understand and articulate the concept of individuality within a family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children and begin by talking about their families. Ask them to share who is in their family and what makes each person special, just like they are special.

2. Show the children the pre cut doll shapes and explain that they will be making "Me Dolls" to represent themselves or a family member.

3. Ask children to choose a doll shape that feels like them or a family member they want to represent.

4. Invite children to glue photographs of themselves or their family members onto the doll shapes.

5. Help children select yarn for hair and glue it onto their doll's head, discussing hair colours and styles within their families.

6. Offer fabric scraps, buttons, and felt for children to design clothing and features for their dolls. Encourage them to think about what their family members might wear.

7. As they work, ask open ended questions like, "Who does this doll remind you of?" or "What is something special about your [family member]?"

8. Once decorated, allow dolls to dry. Children can then use crayons or markers to add extra details to their dolls and their "clothing."

Educator Tip

To ensure all children can participate, pre select a few doll shapes that are already partially decorated. You can also have adult helpers available to assist with gluing or cutting, and verbally prompt children to describe their family members to promote language development and understanding of family roles. This activity is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the idea that every family is unique and made of wonderful individuals.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement in the activity and their ability to name family members they are representing. Note their fine motor skill development as they manipulate the materials. Listen to their conversations about their families, looking for an understanding of individual characteristics and the emotional connection to their family members represented in their "Me Dolls."

Educator tip

Pre-cut pieces; model descriptive language; celebrate uniqueness.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, attempt at creation.

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