STREAM Activity: Play Portrait
Draw yourself doing your favorite activity!
Activity best for children ages 3 and up
A self portrait is a visual representation or artistic description of oneself created by the individual. Today we will get to draw ourselves in a play portrait! A play portrait is a drawing of yourself playing your favorite game or doing something you find really fun. Grab your art supplies and get ready to capture your favorite activity.
![Screen Shot 2023 11 27 At 3.41.32 PM](https://online.sdcdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-27-at-3.41.32-PM.png)
Materials:
White paper
Crayons
Color pencils
Pencil
Optional: glue and googly eyes
Guiding Questions:
What colors do you think represent your play personality?
What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
Directions
Step 1
Start by gathering your materials for your play portrait!
![Screen Shot 2023 11 27 At 3.46.14 PM](https://online.sdcdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-27-at-3.46.14-PM-300x214.png)
Step 2
To begin your portrait you need to know what you will be drawing! Start by asking yourself a few questions. “What is my favorite game?”, “What do I look like when I play that game?”, “Does anyone else play with me?”.
![Question](https://online.sdcdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/question.png)
Step 3
Now draw yourself playing or doing your favorite activity. You can use a pencil first to draw an outline of yourself in case you make a mistake. Once you are done drawing yourself you can add details and color to your portrait.
![Screen Shot 2023 11 27 At 3.51.31 PM](https://online.sdcdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-27-at-3.51.31-PM-228x300.png)
Step 4
Once you are done drawing and coloring yourself, it is time to add in the background. In our portrait we drew us dancing at our favorite concert! We added lights and other fun accessories. What details are in the background of your activity? Is there a goal for a soccer game? Or maybe an easel for painting. The possibilities are endless!
![Screen Shot 2023 11 27 At 3.41.32 PM](https://online.sdcdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-27-at-3.41.32-PM-230x300.png)
Grown Ups-Are you looking for more ways to extend your child’s learning? Check out these extension activities to build upon today’s STREAM activity!
Reading Connections
How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Real World Connections
How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends? teaches young children the importance of sharing, being nice to others, and cleaning up after themselves.
Share your play portrait with us on Instagram by tagging @sdcdm320!
Questions about this activity? Email education@sdcdm.org