The Best Part of Me

This cross-curricular activity (art and writing) was inspired by the book “The Best Part of Me” by Wendy Ewald. In this book, an award-winning photographer asked several children “What is the best part of you?”, and presents their answers in sometimes funny, sometimes moving ways. The author takes striking black-and-white photographs of each child.

In a similar manner, students chose and then sketched their “best” body part, using only a pencil and then a sharpie. In addition to the art activity, students then wrote about their best body part and why they like it so much.  I took photos of the part of them they like the best. Those black-and-white photos were printed and mounted with their pictures and writing.

Big Ideas: Creative expression develops our unique identity and voice.

First Peoples Principles of Learning: Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.

Curricular Competencies:

• Explore personal experience, community, and culture through arts activities
• Demonstrate awareness of the role that story  plays in personal, family, and community identity
• Engage actively as listeners, viewers, and readers, as appropriate, to develop understanding of self, identity, and community
• Plan and create a variety of communication forms for different purposes and audiences

Content: Elements of design – line, shape, texture, colour

Please share The Best Part of Me again with your child and discuss their thinking: