Lately, our preschoolers have been chatting about their unique features—H noticed her “yellow hair,” M.O observed his “short hair,” and B proudly mentioned her “big brown eyes.” These sweet observations sparked the idea for a self-portrait project, encouraging students to look closely at themselves and celebrate what makes them special.

We started with mirrors and simple questions like, “What color are your eyes?” and “What shape is your nose?” With paper in hand, the children sketched their faces and added details that make them them. The classroom lit up with excitement as their drawings came to life.

Adding color led to even deeper self-expression—B painted her skin in “pink and white sandy” tones to reflect her love of the beach, and M made sure her hair was red to match her favorite color. These moments sparked beautiful conversations about identity, creativity, and embracing differences.

By the end, each self-portrait became a vibrant story of individuality. The children beamed with pride as they shared their artwork, building confidence, fine motor skills, and a deeper sense of self. As educators, watching them grow through this process was nothing short of magical.