3rd Grade Superhero Self Portrait Art Lesson Grade 3 Back to School Art Project

In this 3rd Grade Superhero Self-Portrait Art Lesson, students draw themselves as everyday superheroes. They explore self-portraits, identity, personal strengths, symbols, color, line, shape and detail while making a portrait that shows who they are and what makes them unique.

An everyday superhero doesn't need to fly or have magical powers. They can be kind, brave, creative, helpful, determined, caring, curious, a problem-solver or someone who never gives up. Students use those ideas to design their portrait, then add masks, capes, emblems, favorite colors and a background made with geometric paper pieces. It fits Back to School, Meet the Teacher, All About Me activities, self-portrait units, classroom community building, homeschool art and sub plans.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND SLIDESHOW)

• Teacher Pages: Grade 3 lesson plan, suggested visual art standards, teacher directions, critical-thinking questions and a Superhero Self-Portraits anchor chart
• Project Pages: Superhero Portraits student page, Explore YOU brainstorming page, portrait templates, Build-a-Superhero choice page, superhero artwork page, visual step-by-step tutorial page and finished artwork example
• Reading and Writing: Self-Portraits in Art reading page, Read and Respond passage about everyday superheroes with questions and answer key, KWL chart, Superhero Write and Draw, Everyday Superhero writing activity and artist statement pages
• Art Skill Activities: Explore Line, Create Line Art, Shapes and Forms, two Draw and Design activities (one on emphasis) and the Creative Process Magazine activity
• Reflection Pages: Top 3, Feelings, Artwork Reflection (2), Art Talk, The Message, Look at Mediums, 3 Stars and a Wish, and a goal-setting page
• Assessment and Display: art rubric and bulletin-board display sign
• Fast-Finisher Superhero Coloring Activity
• Introductory Slideshow on superhero self-portraits, everyday superheroes, identity, symbols, details and sharing self-portraits
• Step-by-Step Project Slideshow
• Bonus link/QR code to a video demonstration

All illustrations are original art by Ms Artastic.

HOW TO USE IT

Start with the introductory slideshow, then have students brainstorm on the Explore YOU page. The step-by-step slides guide them through drawing the portrait, adding superhero details, coloring, cutting, building the construction paper background and gluing on the portrait. The video demonstration gives extra support for art teachers, classroom teachers, subs, homeschool families and visual learners.

The finished portraits make a bold Meet the Teacher, Open House or hallway display, where families can see each student's personality, interests and strengths. The reading, writing and reflection pages add an art and literacy connection.

FAQ

What grade level is this for?

It is designed for Grade 3, but it may also work for nearby elementary grades depending on student ability and support.

Does it teach self-portraits?

Yes. Students learn that a self-portrait is an artwork an artist makes of themselves, and how facial features, clothing, expression, color, line, shape, pattern, symbols and backgrounds can show identity.

Is there a slideshow and video?

Yes. It includes an introductory slideshow, step-by-step project slides and a bonus link/QR code to a video demonstration.

Is it suitable for homeschool?

Yes. The lesson plan, templates, slideshow, reading pages, writing activities and video make it easy to use at home.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Clip art may be used as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic