Who Am I?
3D Sculpture (Part 1)

Activity Overview

Who we are and what makes us special is a constant topic of conversation in early childhood education. Self-awareness grows over time, and even when engaged in this process as adults, we are encouraged to reflect, change, and grow. In this activity, students will begin to think about things that bring them joy. Using the book Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker to begin the discussion, students will create representations of different things in their life that bring them joy. They will also have an opportunity to compare and contrast their own joyful experiences with a peer or teacher. After they have created an array of joyful materials, the students will integrate them into their work they are doing on their 3D self-portrait sculptures.

What You Need

• Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker

• Found materials

• Markers, pastels, pencils, or crayons

• Paper

Steps

1. Listen to the story Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker with your student. While reading, pause to check for understanding. Notice with your student where in the text they see moments of the character’s happiness and joy. Ask students if they find happiness or joy when they are doing those activities as well.

2. Once the book is finished, ask your student about the ways that they find happiness and joy in their everyday lives. Remind students that things they have may bring them joy, but so can people, activities, meals, or even times of the day. Help the student list at least one person, activity, food, and event that brings them joy. Model the activity by making representations of what bring you joy and happiness as well.

3. Using found materials and art-making materials, make small representations of the items on the list with the student. Give your student the design constraint that any object made should be able to fit inside of their sculpture self-portrait (the size of a small paper bag). Encourage students to make both 2D and 3D objects. If you notice that a student is favoring just 2D creations, help them to create 3D objects as well.

4. After students have created objects that bring them joy, put all of their work in front of them and ask them to share why their choices bring them joy and happiness. After they have shared, show them your own items of joy and happiness. Try to identify similarities and differences between your own choices and the student’s.

5. Save all of the joyful items, as well will incorporate them into the body of our self-portrait sculpture in Who Am I? 3D Sculpture (Part 2).

Guiding Questions

• What are some things that bring you happiness and joy just like the character in the story?

• How do you feel inside when you take part in your favorite hobbies?

• In what ways are you similar and different to your friends and family members?