Support Body Positivity with a Self-Portrait Inspired by Frida Kahlo
Renowned Mexican painter and activist Frida Kahlo was known for her colorful self-portraits. Many featured her pets, nature and a whimsical world around her, mixed with her confident gaze. As a young girl, Kahlo faced many challenges but used art as a support tool when facing hardships and self-doubt.
Art can be a strategy for young children to express emotions, build self-esteem and nurture creativity, as it did in Kahlo's case.
When children make self-portraits, they observe their facial features, expressions and appearance, and we can help them build self-pride in what makes them uniquely them! You might consider giving children a chance to paint or draw open-endedly, guided by their imagination, or provide a more structured experience to promote awareness of oneself, interests and capabilities by creating self-portraits as Kahlo did. The following simple activity can help boost your kid's self-confidence while supporting their early math skills.
Learning Goal
- Nourish self-confidence with an art experience.
- Observe shapes in artwork and facial expressions.
Materials
- Crayons, markers or colored pencils
- Paper
- Mirror
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. You might start by looking at other self-portraits from artists like Kahlo. Point out shapes, patterns and colors you see in them and ask your child if they can find any others. Take note of any added details that might tell us more about the person's interests or personality.
2. Bring out a mirror and take time to look. Help your child notice all the unique features of their face. Ask your child which features make them feel proud. Saying affirmations aloud, for example, "I like my eyes because…" or "I think my hair looks great!" models a positive self-image and builds confidence for young children.
3. Using everyday art supplies and paper, begin to draw a self-portrait. Use the mirror to notice and talk about the unique shape of your face and theirs. Depending on your child's age, you might assist in starting the portrait by drawing in the shape of their face.
4. Next, work together on adding those unique features which make your child special. Let them take the lead — remember it's about the process rather than the product. As they draw, have them repeat those affirmations to build confidence.
You might sketch with a pencil first and then go over it in colors if your child makes a mistake. Or, practice making different shapes — for example, oval eyes, triangle nose, and curved lips, on a scratch piece of paper first before adding them to the final portrait.
Read About Frida Kahlo!
Learn more about this trailblazing artist during storytime with these books, which are available for free from the Los Angeles Public Library.
"I am Frida Kahlo" (Ages 5-9) by Brad Meltzer with Illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos is part of the Ordinary People Change the World Series featured on the PBS KIDS show "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum."
"A Parrot in the Painting: The Story of Frida Kahlo and Bonita" (Ages 5-7) by Thea Feldman with illustrations by Rachel Sanson is a Ready-To-Read book for early readers.
Watch Videos About Self-Confidence
Continue the conversation on self-confidence and self-esteem with these clips from PBS KIDS.
"PBS KIDS Talk About | Self Confidence" features real families talking about experiences that encourage confidence.
In this "Alma the Artist" clip from the series "Alma's Way," the children think about their interests and create beautiful murals around their community.
Support self-pride with this "Sesame Street" "Happy To Be Me!" clip and see how Big Bird is happy being tall and yellow with big orange feet.
Children build self-esteem, confidence and pride at an early age. With the support from the loving adults in their lives, we can help them gain the confidence to face anything!
