Los tonos de nosotros / The Shades of Us

Here at AFS, we feel very fortunate to have a wonderful mix of families representing different kinds of diversity. As teachers and facilitators, we feel a strong sense of responsibility for helping all students develop a positive sense of themselves, of their identity.

One of the many ways in which we nurture this concept in Spanish class is by providing students opportunity to create their autorretrato (self-portrait). As students focus on specific attributes such as hair color and texture, and eye color and shape, they are exploring the concept of self. This visual art helps them to learn about what we look like, how similar and yet different we are, and build on additional skills such as fine motor control, observation and focusing, and exploring their creativity. Furthermore, this activity is an effective resource to enhance oral and written vocabulary in español.

To commence the project, the students were taught some of the Spanish terminology and concepts associated with portrait painting. Students learned in español some of the body parts with an emphasis on facial characteristics as well as colors and shapes. Many books were read, plenty of songs were sung, activity sheets were completed and numerous games were played that helped the learners practice the Spanish vocabulary for these themes, orally and in writing.

And, to ensure students that Spanish class is only one part of their learning community, our fabulous art teacher, Amanda, and I collaborated. During their art class, the students mixed their very own tone of piel (skin) and painted their cabeza (head) and orejas (ears) unto a canvas. 

Then, during Spanish class the students added their ojos (eyes), nariz (nose), boca (mouth), pelo (hair) and camisa (shirt).

All students from kindergarten through 4^th grade have finished their autorretrato and I invite you to stop by and observe the most incredible display that truly highlights los tonos de nosotros, the shades of us. This exhibition can be found on the wall next to El Palacio.