Educational theorist Viktor Lowenfeld outlined four stages of childhood artistic development: scribble, ages 2 to 4; preschematic, ages 4 to 6; schematic, ages 7 to 9; and dawning realism, ages 9 to 11. Kindergarten children, ages 5 to 6, are just out of the scribbling stage and into the preschematic phase of artistic development. At this stage, most children draw circular images with lines, and have learned to create rudimentary human or animal figures with their drawings. The proper use of space and perspective has not yet developed, and color is used to express emotions more than logic. Children's self-portraits, at this stage, may be simple, but can contribute to the child's healthy concept of self.
One of the introductory projects that kindergarten children can accomplish during the first week of school is a self-portrait. They can simply use their imagination, using crayons and paper prepared by the teacher or parent. The paper can be prepared with the words, "This is me." If they are able to write their name, they can write the name in a space provided for it; otherwise, the teacher can help them with their name. The finished projects can be placed on a single bulletin board.
At another time during the year, provide children with mirrors to use to create their portraits. They should be encouraged to look carefully at their own faces and to try to discern the details such as the shape of their face, the color of their hair, their skin, if their hair is straight or curly, and to perceive lines or markings in their face that they can include in their self-portrait. This will help the children develop greater awareness of detail in their art. It is a project that can be repeated at several intervals during the school year.
Rainbows are a hope-inspiring wonder of nature. Children who create rainbows in kindergarten can include a self-portrait of themselves underneath the rainbow. This helps children to develop a positive self-image, positive emotions and to have a positive outlook of the future. Teachers or parents can explain to the children that the rainbow is a symbol of hope and peace.
Another art project for kindergarteners that can help them to develop their interest in art as well as their imagination is to expose them to the art of Pablo Picasso. Picasso's abstract art contained elements of the human body and face, often disproportionate and illogically formatted. The teacher can teach the children a little about the life and art of Pablo Picasso, and then have the children create their own self-portraits in the same style. The results are sure to be intriguing and can help children to gain awareness that there are differing styles of art. This may help to pique their interest in art in the years to come.