Early Atlas

Activity

All About Me and My Family Poster

Children build a personal poster or photo basket with pictures and drawings of themselves and their family, then share who is special to them.

Ages 24–48 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Play-based learning self-identity family belonging

Supports this milestone

  • recognizes self as a unique individual having own abilities, characteristics, emotions, and interests. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • Large sheets of paper or sturdy boards, one per child
  • Family photos sent from home, plus printed magazine pictures
  • A basket or pocket folder for children who prefer collecting photos
  • Crayons, washable glue sticks, and child-safe scissors

Steps

  • Gather and invite each child to say their name and how old they are.
  • Help each child choose photos or draw the people who are special to them, naming each person aloud.
  • Glue the pictures onto the poster or tuck them into a personal photo basket.
  • Ask gently: "Who is this? What do they do with you?"
  • Invite children to share one part of their poster with the group.

Variations

  • Make a class "We Belong Together" wall by displaying every poster side by side.
  • Offer a photo basket instead of a poster for children who like to sort and revisit pictures.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, focus on naming one or two people rather than a full poster.
  • For older children, add labels or a sentence dictated about each family member.

Accessibility

  • Welcome every family structure; let the child decide who belongs on their poster.
  • Provide picture cards or signs for children who communicate non-verbally.

Safety

  • Supervise scissor and glue use; keep small photo magnets or pins out of reach.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas