Me Dolls: Mixed-Media Self-Portrait Doll

Level 3 develops academic independence.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Sturdy cardstock or heavy paper (1 per child)

Markers, crayons, or coloured pencils

Assorted craft supplies: yarn or string for hair, fabric scraps, buttons, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, pom-poms

Child-safe scissors

Glue sticks or liquid glue

Pictures of the children's families (optional, for inspiration)

Pictures of real people and families (optional, for discussion)

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to create a mixed-media art representation of themselves.

Children will be able to identify and express unique characteristics that make them who they are, linking to their individual place within their family.

Children will demonstrate fine motor skills while cutting, gluing, and assembling their doll.

Children will engage in conversations about their families and their own special qualities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children and introduce the activity: "Today, we’re going to make special dolls that look just like us! Think about what makes you special, and how you fit into your wonderful family."

2. Provide each child with a piece of cardstock. Invite them to draw a simple body outline for their "me doll," a shape that can represent them at home.

3. Ask children to think about their own unique features. "What colour is your hair? Do you have freckles? What is your favourite colour shirt to wear when you are home with your family?" They can draw these features and add colour using markers or crayons.

4. Offer the variety of crafting materials. "Look at all these fun things! You can use yarn for your hair, or maybe make a special outfit for your doll." Encourage them to select materials that represent their own appearance or personality.

5. Demonstrate how to safely use the scissors to cut out their doll shape and any other elements they wish to add. Ensure children are using their scissors with caregiver supervision.

6. Guide children in gluing their chosen materials onto their cardstock dolls. They might add fabric for clothes or yarn for hair.

7. Encourage children to add details like buttons for eyes or pom poms for rosy cheeks. "Does your doll look like you? Is it wearing your favourite colour?"

8. As children finish, invite them to share their "me doll" with a friend or the group, explaining something special about themselves or a favourite family activity.

Educator Tip

To foster a sense of belonging, display the finished "me dolls" alongside family photos provided by the children. If some children have limited materials or find certain steps challenging, offer one-on-one assistance or pre-cut shapes to support their creative expression. Discuss how each doll, like each family member, is unique and important.

Assessment

Observe children as they create their "me dolls." Note their ability to express individual characteristics through their artwork and their engagement in conversations about themselves and their families. Collect the finished dolls as a tangible representation of their self-expression and fine motor skill development within the family theme.

Educator tip

Use rubric; insist on justification.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Rubric (1–4): accuracy, reasoning, clarity, independence.

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