I Like Myself Self-Portrait and Writing Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

1

Overview

Students will demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing when they write a paragraph about themselves. Students will practice self-respect by identifying characteristics they like about themselves.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 1

ELA21.1.32

Follow the rules of standard English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling appropriate to grade level.

UP:ELA21.1.32

Vocabulary

  • Rules of standard English grammar
  • Punctuation rules
  • Capitalization rules
  • Spelling rules

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The rules of standard English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling appropriate to the first grade level.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling by following the rules of standard English.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Using standard English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling in their writing will help them clearly communicate with a variety of audiences.

Learning Objectives

Students will use personal pronouns, frequently occurring adjectives and conjunctions in their writing.

Students will practice self-respect by listing things they like about themselves. 

Activity Details

During: Students will color their own self-portrait on the worksheet provided below. After coloring their self-portrait, they will write a paragraph about themselves using the sentence starter: “I like myself because ________.” Students should elaborate on all the reasons they like themselves using first-person pronouns, adjectives, and conjunctions. It is important that students write in the first-person point of view. 

 

"I Like Myself" worksheet: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/120OATtj0BLf-6G1RHfNuAsLcnXeMdLsR7XYI29xBxb8/edit?usp=sharing

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will evaluate the students' writings to ensure they reflect an understanding of the common conventions of Standard English grammar specifically related to their usage of personal pronouns, adjectives, and conjunctions. The teacher will also evaluate the self-portrait and the content of the students' writing to ensure they reflect a practice of self-respect.  

Variation Tips

Depending on the ability of your learners, you could add requirements for writing a particular amount of sentences. You could differentiate your grammar requirements based on the ability of your learners.

Background / Preparation

Students must be familiar with the children’s book “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont. If you do not have access to "I Like Myself," here is a read-aloud available on Youtube. (less than 5 minutes). https://youtu.be/J6liHdYi-3U

The teacher should review personal pronouns, adjectives, and conjunctions.

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