Self Portraits & All Me About Questions

Today, the children created their first self portrait in the Oak classroom. The self portrait activity was introduced by creating a Mat Man. Mat Man is a component of our handwriting program, Learning Without Tears program. 

The Learning Without Tears website explains that "Before children start writing, there are important concepts that need to be mastered to make writing easier for the children to learn.  These early concepts, or readiness skills, include size recognition, placement, and sequence skills. Handwriting Without Tears® and the Pre-k program Get Set for School™ use Mat Man to teach these skills and simultaneously promote body awareness, socializing, and sharing". 

Mat Man is a great way to teach how to create a person by breaking down the task into easy to follow steps.

After creating Mat Man, the children drew their own self-portraits using black Sharpies.

The children also answered questions about themselves. The surveys serve two purposes. First, they assists the teachers in getting to know the children better. Second, they help children become more comfortable and confident with dictation activities, which will lead to our monthly child dictated stories.

Indiana Learning Foundations

ELA1.2 Demonstrate expressive communication

CA3.1 Demonstrate creative expression through the visual art process or experience

SW4.1 Demonstrate relationship skills

PHG3.1 Demonstrate development of fine and gross motor coordination