Back to School First Week Self Portrait Art Lesson Cartooning Selfie Art Project

This Back to School Caricature Pennant Banner Art Project is a fun first week art lesson where students learn to draw caricatures, explore their artistic identity and design an exaggerated self-portrait full of personal flair and humor. It builds classroom community and makes a one-of-a-kind display for Meet the Teacher Night or parent-teacher conferences.

It is print-and-go, with a full student workbook that guides students through facial features, drawing practice and planning. Students then create a pennant to cut out and hang, perfect for your art room ceiling or walls. It suits middle school, junior high and homeschool art.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Teacher Lesson Plan
• Visual Example of a finished pennant
• Student Workbook: "What is a Caricature?" information page, practice pages for facial features (eyes, noses, mouths, hair and more), drawing interests page and rough draft planning page
• Final Pennant Template for the good copy
• Instructions for assembling the pennants into a banner display

HOW TO USE IT

Photocopy and staple the workbook so students have an easy-to-follow booklet. Guide them through the caricature practice and draft planning, then hang the finished pennants around your classroom as a personalized gallery.

It works well in the first week of school to introduce art class routines, build relationships and create a collaborative display, and it stands out at open house or back-to-school night.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Elementary, middle school and junior high art teachers, general educators with an arts focus, and homeschooling families.

How long will it take?

Expect 2 to 3 class periods, depending on your students' age and skill level, your teaching style and the length of your classes.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (12)

★★★★★ “So fun! My kids are going to love working on this for the beginning of the year. They are also going to look great hanging in the halls when complete” SAMANTHA R.

★★★★★ “Great resource!” Christy I.

★★★★★ “My students loved doing this project at the beginning of the year! Can't wait to do it again this year!” Gina T.

★★★★★ “Loved this!” Kayla S.

★★★★★ “Fun activity!” Lauren R.

★★★★★ “This was a fun back to school activity. It helped me see my students through their eyes. Fun!” Gunderson's G.

★★★★★ “I used this as a culminating activity on face drawing. It was one of the most successful art pieces I've seen students produce.” Julie C.

★★★★★ “I can't wait to use next school year!” Tiffeny M.

★★★★★ “The kids loved this!” Marie C.

★★★★★ “Love it! The students get to practice doing all the features before doing the rough draft and then the final copy. Can't wait to do it tomorrow!” Tammy I.

★★★★★ “My 2/3s LOVED this.” Jennie D.

★★★★ “The kids LOVED creating Caricatures of themselves! This one is a keeper. I have used it a few times early in the year and create a banner going around the room for Open house. Parent love to search for their kiddos on the wall.” TRACY M.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your classroom, homeschool or for personal projects. Clip art may be used as graphics for bulletin boards, covers or websites with proper credit.

YOU MAY NOT: share it with colleagues or districts, post it online for free or for resale, or use it on Outschool. Admins must purchase additional licenses for each teacher.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic