IDENTITY, SELF-EXPRESSION & BODY EMPOWERMENT LESSON & CRAFT – Counseling Lesson

How do we help students explore who they are beyond appearances — in a way that feels safe, empowering, and meaningful? This Is Me: Lesson & Craft is a creative expressive SEL counseling resource designed to support identity exploration, self-expression, self-esteem, and body empowerment, particularly for upper elementary and middle school students. Using a creative color, cut, and collage portrait activity, students reflect on their identity, emotions, strengths, values, and lived experiences — without pressure to look a certain way or share more than they’re comfortable with.

Inspired by symbolic self-portrait work (Frida Kahlo–style expression), this lesson helps students understand that identity is personal, layered, and always evolving. Perfect for school counseling lessons, small groups, advisory, social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health support, and art-based counseling, this resource blends creativity with meaningful reflection in a developmentally appropriate way.

What’s Included in This Resource

• Detailed Lesson Plan – Clear objectives, suggested discussion prompts, implementation steps, and counselor guidance for introducing identity and self-expression in a supportive, trauma-informed way.

• Student Handout: “This Is Me” Portrait Guide – Explains the purpose of the activity, reinforces autonomy and choice, and supports symbolic self-expression rather than appearance-based focus.

• Printable Craft Pieces (Color, Cut & Create) – Portrait base, facial features, flowers, leaves, earrings, necklaces, and symbolic elements that students can mix, match, or omit.

• Reflection & Processing Prompts – End-of-lesson questions designed to support emotional insight, self-awareness, and respectful sharing.

Our lesson prioritizes choice, safety, and voice. Students are not required to create a realistic portrait or explain their artwork — making it ideal for learners who may feel vulnerable, guarded, or unsure about self-disclosure. Every portrait is valid, different, and meaningful.

This identity-focused lesson and craft provides students with a safe, creative way to explore self-expression, strengths, and personal meaning through symbolic art.