DIY Self-Portrait Activity for Self-Awareness

This resource gives children the opportunity to tell their own visual story and express how they feel about themselves. We hope the children will take ownership of their artwork as they make individual decisions to express their thoughts and ideas.

Through understanding and focusing on personal qualities, children naturally build confidence. Self-reflection helps develop a a child’s secure and confident knowledge base, and sense of self, empowering them to take on new challenges, try new things, and learn from their mistakes. We want them to feel confident to ask questions, think about how they really feel.

Why is self-reflection important?

As adults, we are constantly reflecting on our actions and how what we say and do can impact situations, whether that be at home, at work, or in friendships. We want to provide similar opportunities for children so they can learn from their actions and review how their behaviour impacts the world around them.

Children offer a unique perspective that we need to nurture and encourage them to have the confidence to share. Self-reflection activities like this one are a perfect outlet for this self-expression.

This activity will:

• encourage creativity,
• build resilience,
• practice art exploration,
• use skills and techniques in colours and patterns, and
• communicate ideas and show a personal viewpoint.