Body Outline
This project is slow
at the beginning—waiting a long time for a turn is tough. But don't rush the
outline process and individual discussions. Try outlining a few kids at outside
or free time and let them finish their portraits at project time.
Objectives
Children ages 3-4 can hold large crayon or felt pen with fingers FM III
and they can answer who, what, and where questions Lang. IIIA
Children ages 2 ½-3 can name at least one color correctly Lang. IB
and ages 2-2 ½ years can point to and name body parts Lang. IA
and ages 1 ½-2 years can point to 4 or 5 body parts or items of clothing Lang. IA
Materials
5' sheets of wide
butcher paper; felt pens or crayons; large mirror.
Procedures
1. Put a sheet of butcher paper on the table and choose a child
to lie on the paper and be traced.
2. Ask the child how (s)he wants arms (at sides, above head, one up and one
down, etc.) and legs to be. When (s)he decides on a pose, draw around him/her
with a black crayon or felt pen. Name body parts as you draw.
3. When the body outline is completed, have the child stand up and look in the
mirror.
Ask the child to
describe their clothing: long or short sleeves? pants? dress? socks? tights?
What kind of shirt?
collar? what colors? patterns? etc. Help child within some guidelines—end of
sleeves, neckline, chin, etc.
Move the picture to the floor and let child finish the picture by adding face,
hair, coloring clothing, and adding details.
4. Repeat with the rest of the children in the group in turn.*
5. As the children work, call attention to body parts, clothing, and colors.
Have them look in the mirror while you hold their portrait up and compare.
6. Optional: Cut out the body outlines and hang them around the room.
*NOTE: It helps to have two people drawing outlines to get things going. In a
hall or in a clear space in the room, roll out a long sheet of butcher paper
and let several children lie down and try different poses while you (and a
helper) outline. Be sure to acknowledge the patience of children waiting turns.
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