Developing a Growth Mindset: My Outer Self and Inner Self

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Creativity takes courage. — Henri Matisse

After a well-deserved vacation break, the first graders of Blue and Yellow sections returned to school with eager hearts and curious minds, ready to venture on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. This wasn’t just any classroom activity , it was a heartfelt exploration of who they are, inside and out, using the magical language of art.

Inspired by our beloved Head of School, Mam Samar, the children set out to create self-portraits unlike any they had done before. More than just drawing their faces, they delved deeper, capturing their emotions, dreams, and aspirations. This project was an extension of their work from Term One, allowing them to reflect on their growth while embracing their individuality.

A Portrait of Two Halves

The students divided their portraits into two distinct halves. On one side, they sketched their familiar facial features eyes, nose, lips, each stroke carefully capturing their outer self. But the real magic happened on the other half of the canvas, where their imagination took flight. Here, they painted the essence of their inner world ,their hopes, dreams, favorite things, and cherished memories.

From drawing their dream professions to illustrating their favorite seasons, from sketching their ideal home to adding glimpses of their favorite toys, every detail on their canvas was a reflection of their unique identities. It was more than just an art activity—it was a window into their hearts.

Colors That Speak

The backgrounds of these portraits were just as expressive. Bold blues symbolized a calm and peaceful nature, radiant yellows radiated joy and warmth, while soft pinks reflected kindness and compassion. Each color choice told a story, whispering emotions that words often fail to capture.

Adding personal touches, the students carefully crafted their hairstyles, ensuring every curl, braid, and bun was just right. The girls adorned their hair with sparkling accessories, infusing their artwork with a sense of personal style and uniqueness.

More Than Just a Drawing

As the children created their masterpieces, they discovered something profound: art is not just about drawing what we see , it’s about expressing who we are. Each stroke of the brush, each color choice, each tiny detail was a reflection of their personality, their dreams, and their aspirations.

Through this activity, they learned that self-awareness is a journey, and every face tells a story. Whether they saw themselves as dreamers, creators, or adventurers, their self-portraits became a testament to their limitless potential.

In the end, the lesson was clear: we don’t just draw pictures, we paint our dreams, sketch our futures, and color our personalities. And just like their artwork, each child is a masterpiece in the making.