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Global Classroom Connect Lesson Plan

Global Classroom Connect » Lessons » Creating a Personal Avatar

Creating a Personal Avatar

Author: Ken Weiderman
Grade Level(s): 6-8
Subject(s): Introductions

Lesson Objective

Students will:
Develop a visual representation of their identity using symbolism
• Apply colored pencil techniques (layering, blending, shading)
• Demonstrate planning and creative decision-making
• Create a finished artwork with strong craftsmanship

Overview

Students will design and create a personal “avatar” that visually represents their identity, interests, personality, and values. Using colored pencils, they will focus on symbolism, color choices, and careful craftsmanship. 

Preparation

Students should be familiar with the following  vocabulary:

  • Avatar: A visual representation of a person  
  • Symbolism: Using images to represent ideas or qualities  
  • Composition: Arrangement of elements in artwork  
  • Layering: Building up color gradually  
  • Blending: Smoothing colors together  

Day 1: Introduction & Brainstorming 

1. Hook (5–10 min):
Ask students:
• If you were a character in a game or movie, what would you look like?
• What colors, objects, or symbols represent you?

2. Mini Lesson (10 min):
Explain that avatars don’t have to be realistic—they can be:
• Human-like
• Animal-inspired
• Fantasy or abstract
• Symbolic

3. Brainstorm Activity (15–20 min):
Students use Avatar Project Brainstorming sheet to list:
• Interests (sports, music, hobbies)
• Personality traits (funny, calm, energetic)
• Important symbols (objects, animals, colors)

4. Sketching Ideas (15–20 min):
Students create
• 2–3 rough thumbnail sketches

 

Day 2: Final Sketch:

1.Choose the best idea from the previous day’s sketches (5-10 min)
2.Lightly draw final avatar on good paper (30 min): 
Students Focus on:
• Clear shapes
• Good use of space
• Meaningful details

 

Days 3–4: Colored Pencil Rendering 

1.Mini Lesson (10 min):
Teacher Demonstrates:
• layering colors
• Blending techniques
• Shading for depth

2. Work Time  (30 min): 
Students:

• Apply base colors first
• Build layers slowly
• Add shading and highlights
• Refine details

 

Day 5: Finishing & Reflection 

1. Final Touches (30 min):
Students work on:
• Clean edges
• Optional outlining
• Background (simple or symbolic)

2. Written Artist Statement (20 min): 
Students answer:
• What does your avatar represent?
• What symbols did you include and why?
• What colors did you choose and what do they mean?

 

Assessment (Rubric Categories)


1. Creativity & Originality:
• Unique and personal design
• Strong use of symbolism 

2. Craftsmanship:
• Careful coloring
• Smooth blending and layering
• Neat presentation 

3. Use of Color:
Thoughtful color choices 
• effective shading and contrast 

4. Effort & Completion:
• Fully developed artwork
• Time used productively

5. Artist Statement:
Clear explanation of ideas 
Connection between visuals and meaning 

 

 

Materials

  • Drawing paper (8.5×11 or 9×12)
  • Pencils & erasers
  • Colored pencils
  • Black fine-tip markers (optional for outlining)
  • Sketch paper for brainstorming
  • Avatar Project Brainstorming Sheet