A teacher asks his first grade students to draw a picture of "Who am I?" and describe their pictures so that he can begin to understand their self-concepts. What might a boy in his class draw and tell in his self-portrait?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A boy in the first grade will most likely draw a picture that shows his features and characteristics in very literal and concrete terms. For example, he is likely to draw his eye color, hair color, and hair length. He may draw an overinflated image of his strength and describe unrealistic abilities. It is unlikely he will draw or tell what he likes and dislikes, his personality traits, or descriptions of others' perceptions of him. After age three, children have a basic understanding of their own feelings, so the young boy may draw a smiley or sad face to indicate his current feelings. Overall, we can expect the boy's drawing to be rather disconnected and compartmentalized. He will probably not integrate the various aspects of his self-concept. We are not likely to see integration of his physical characteristics with his thoughts or emotions.