Self-Portraits and Braiding in Art at Seaton ES

By Athena Kopsidas

I led Seaton ES (DCPS) students through projects that incorporated books and art during the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action.

PreK Art students read The Skin You Live In , then made self portraits using mirrors and "people paper" (matching skin tones). Students loved looking in the mirror and saying, "Hello, beautiful!" before using markers to draw their details. Students learned to celebrate their own skin tones while celebrating each other, as well.

Art Grades K-2 art students read Don't Touch My Hair! and made self portraits with people paper and yarn for hair. Students enjoyed using the term "My hair grows up like a flower," quoting the author's words. We talked about personal space (our personal bubbles). Author Sharee Miller did a great job empowering students to say "no" and to hear "no" regarding personal boundaries.

Art Grades 3-5 read Don't Touch My Hair! and made yarn friendship bracelets, practicing two-part twisting or three part-braiding (math connection: 3x2=6; 2x3=6). Students felt empowered sharing how they feel about others touching their hair and were able to try hard things (braiding) or to shine and be admired because they were experts!