Identity Self-Portraits

Activity Outline

• Goal of Activity:

  • The goal of this lesson is to give students a creative outlet in which they can explore and celebrate the different facets of their identities.

• Time Allotment: 3-4 days

• Learning Objectives

  • By the end of the lesson, students will be able to show off a self-portrait that shows parts of their identities and explain why it portrays them.

• Steps of Activity- Full Lesson Plan Available here

  • Modeling and Discussion (25 minutes)

    • Introduce Identity Portraits by modeling the creation of one using someone well known by the class.

    • Start a discussion about the model and "how their identity and actions represent social justice themes." Discuss what symbols represent their identities.

    • Introduce the rubric to guide students' creations.

  • Get Creating (2-3 45 minute sessions)

    • Give students the opportunity to map out their self-portrait and what they want to include about their own identity.

    • Help students pick a medium in which they will create their self-portrait. "Each portrait should include symbols in the background representing their identity, diversity, anti-bias, social justice, values, or beliefs."

    • Give students time to create.

  • Show off Your Work (15 minutes)

    • Display the portraits throughout the classroom in a gallery style.

    • Have the students do a gallery walk in which students will "leave feedback, comments or connections on sticky notes."

    • If any students wish, allow them to present their portraits to the class along with what it symbolizes for them.

Discussion

I chose to include this activity in my Identity Portfolio because it is a great way to make an art project connect to your social justice curriculum. I believe that curriculum should be integrated and that subject matters don't need to be fixed by boundaries because life doesn't have perfect boundaries. Real-life is integrated so our curriculum should reflect that.

This activity allows for differentiated instruction because it allows each student to learn how to symbolize who they are. It allows students to express themselves in any way they see fit, in any medium available to them. This activity also honors students' experiences and celebrates them as part of what makes them who they are.

Resources

• Identity Self-Portraits Lesson Plan

• Self-Portrait Rubric

References

Do Something. (n.d.). Identity self-portraits. Learning for Justice. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/student-tasks/do-something/identity-selfportraits