Toward the end of each year, I hand out mirrors, have the students open Microsoft’s Paint program, and ask the first graders to draw a self-portrait. No, they aren’t let go to do all this on their own (Have you ever tried drawing with just a mouse??) – they are guided through each feature. It does take a while to complete this. This year it was three 40-minute sessions. But, it is most definitely worth it. The students really take their time and it’s very obvious that this is important to them as well as fun.

I am absolutely amazed at what these students create! And the most impressive aspect to me is how much these self-portrait caricatures look just like the young artist!

Here are the collages for the Class of 2026.