This is a project I developed and taught to a group of Secondary level students in the “Modified” curriculum in Quebec. Students in this group have disabilities ranging on the Autism Spectrum & Downs Syndrome.
The lesson was carried out over the course of 3-4 classes. In the first class, I lead students through a step-by step breakdown of how to draw facial proportions. This sketch was used as a first draft before drawing on the larger poster board. Next, students chose colours that represented their eye, skin, and hair colour. Finally, I introduced the concept of a “background” and students used rulers to map out a simple horizontal stripe background and chose colours for each stripe.
I think this was the most rewarding project I taught all year. I loved seeing how my students chose to represent themselves. Some chose to hilight their new facial hair, while others drew themselves donning the same accessories of a beloved cartoon character.
Much is put upon these students by society, taking away their agency and voice, so there it is powerful to witness my students through their own eyes and their own hands.
* All images are of student work, and are published anonymously to protect student identity. *
