Use this easy Self Portrait Template to help kids draw large faces, add hair and create a colorful portrait with simple step-by-step ideas.

Self Portrait Template Art Lesson

Self Portrait Template with an open top to help kids draw hair and create a large face.

Why This Lesson Works in the Elementary Classroom

This Self Portrait Template makes portrait drawing so much easier for young artists. The large U-shaped face helps kids start big, and leaving the top open gives them plenty of room to add hair without having to erase or cover up a scalp line.

It’s a great introduction to portrait drawing for beginners, especially kindergarten students. The lesson breaks the process into simple steps, includes 8 easy hairstyle ideas, and gives students colorful finished examples to help them feel confident and inspired as they create their own unique self portraits.

How Self Portraits Help Kids Explore Art and Identity

Self portraits are a fun way to help kids explore both art and identity. As students draw themselves, they begin to notice the little details that make each person unique, like the shape and texture of their hair, the placement of their features, and the colors they see in their skin, eyes, clothing, and accessories.

This lesson is also an easy introduction to important art concepts like line, shape, proportion, and observation. Students can use curved, straight, wavy, or looping lines to create different hairstyles, while the large face template helps them think about the size and placement of facial features.

Artists have been creating self portraits for centuries to show what they look like and express something about who they are. Frida Kahlo is especially well known for her self portraits, and she often used details like her hair, clothing, and expression to communicate parts of her identity.

For young artists, the idea can stay simple: look closely, notice what makes you you, and use those details to create a portrait that feels personal.

Use the button below to grab this PDF tutorial

Preview of a Self Portrait Template tutorial showing an easy portrait drawing lesson for kids.

Preview of the printable Self Portrait Template for an easy beginner portrait art lesson for kids.

OPEN SELF PORTRAIT TUTORIAL

Materials to Draw a Self Portrait

Crayola Twistables Crayons for Kids

(24ct) Essential School Supplies for Girls & Boys, Toddler Coloring, Less Mess, Back to School Gifts for Kids. *Note: I may earn a commission if you buy through the link.