Family Portrait Portfolio

Why

Children grow up so fast! Start an annual Family Portrait Portfolio today and enjoy it for many years to come. It’s never too late!

Steps

1. Save art samples. When your toddler first seems interested, provide Crayola® Washable Markers and construction paper for scribbling and experimenting. You’ll want to save at least one creation a year as your child’s art matures.

2. Young preschoolers will begin to draw self-portraits and pictures of their families. Older children may prefer to draw their annual family portrait. Children can help put together a family portfolio of their work.

3. Put together a portfolio. Tape several recycled file folders together to fold like an accordion. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach pictures in chronological order. Label the portrait with each child’s age, the date, and any comments. Add snapshots if you wish.

4. At regular intervals, add children’s drawings of sisters, brothers, parents, grandparents, and the entire family. Label each new addition. When the front pages are full, continue on the back.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Glue Sticks
  • Washable Markers
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • clear adhesive tape
  • recycled file folders

Where & When

"Immediately after exchanging hugs, the grandparents head for the children’s Family Portrait Portfolios."
Ali S., mother of 3- and 5-year-olds.

"The parents of toddlers are always thrilled to receive a Family Portrait Portfolio when their children move into preschool."
Vinnie R., child care volunteer.


Interesting Info

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was the most celebrated portrait painter of his time. He painted two U.S. presidents, Rockefeller, Sears, Vanderbilt, and European aristocrats. He painted many artists---performers, poets, dancers, musicians, and writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Henry James. He applied the same passion to his paintings of gypsies and street children as he did to the famous people he painted.