My Book and Me

Step 1

Have a discussion about books the students have enjoyed or are interested in reading. What genre are they drawn to? How does reading expose them to new ideas? What books help them explore places that are new to them? How does thinking about their book interests help them understanding themselves and build self-awareness?

Step 2

Ask students to choose a book that represents their interests. They will create a large movable image of themselves holding the book. Start by having them plan their full body self-portrait and cut out arms, legs, torso, head, etc. from heavy paper or cardboard. Have them attach the body parts using paper fasteners. They will decorate their clothes, skin, etc. and can use craft items for hair and embellishments on their outfits.

Step 3

Have them create the book that their movable arms will hold, with a front and back cover so they can hold it as if they were reading it. Write the title, author's name, and illustrator's name on the construction paper cover and some background information about the book on the back cover.

Step 4

These student portraits depicted with their favorite books could be "seated" at each desk for a parent-teacher event. Or they could be displayed on a large bulletin board. When students take their full-size self-portraits home they can hang them on a wall in their bedroom or on the bedroom door.

Step 5