This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Sometimes low-tech, can be a high. The thrill of making an object, in three dimensions, can bring a great sense of accomplishment. In this self portrait project, students will take a journey of self discovery creating shadowbox self-portraits.
We are a Middle School (grades 6-8) and a High School, housed in one building.
My students range in age from 11 - 18 years old. This project is for my 6th grade students.
Many of our students reside in the neighborhood. Our school has a large population of English Language Learners (ELL), from diverse Latin-American cultures.
The younger students love animation, video games, and music. Everything is changing for them at this age. I can see their growth happening before my eyes every day. They're entering that awkward stage, no longer little children, but not yet young adults. This is a time when they begin a new phase of self discovery. For many of them, it is also finding out who they are, and how they fit, in this new country.
My Project
Many of the students I work with, have never had an art class before coming to our school. Our program, literally opens up a whole new world to them.
Creating self portraits, is a way for students to develop a sense of self. They are now at the age where they should be learning how to use some basic tools. A glue gun is one of those underrated ones. It is quick, neat, and effective. With this tool, students will be able to give depth to their self portraits, making a sturdy construction. The art boards will provide a strong backing, and the cardboard frames will neatly finish off the work for presentation. The students will customize their frames as well.
This project is important, because these kids are.
Art can change lives. There is an enormous sense of accomplishment a child gets from making things. It taps into the human instinct to create. When children make self portraits, they are creating themselves. As they develop this project, I help them explore who they are, but also, who they want to be, who they can be, and who they will be. This is about kids gaining confidence, direction, and motivation.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Martinez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
