Print this handout using your browser’s Print / Save as PDF. Student instructions and practice print; the teacher notes stay on screen.

GRADES 3–5 · Expressions · Cartoon Portraits

A Quiet Smile: Make It Your Cartoon

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make three small design trials and a repeatable original cartoon version. Focus on a quiet smile.

Shared feature reference for Expressions — Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Show a subtle expression.

Try three small versions, changing one shape or proportion each time. Keep the choice playful and respectful.
Draw a neutral mouth and eyes.
Lift the corners just a little.
Adjust cheeks or lids gently without making a huge grin.
Choose one trial. Draw it twice while keeping two identifying details consistent; use clean selective lines.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Subtle expression becomes exaggerated

Repair: Reduce the size of each change.

Check your work: Which two details make both drawings belong to the same design?

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

A Quiet Smile: Make It Your Cartoon · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Warm-up: A Quiet Smile

2 · First plan

3 · Design trials

4 · Independent application

My evidence: Which two details make both drawings belong to the same design?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________

Teach this handout · 30–45 minutes

Prepare: Choose a clear reference showing a quiet smile. The shared illustration introduces the feature only; supply a matching mirror view or teacher-approved photo when the exact pose, accessory, or hairstyle is not pictured.

Demonstrate: Model draw a neutral mouth and eyes. Then deliberately show this drawing problem: subtle expression becomes exaggerated. Think aloud as you repair it: Reduce the size of each change.

5 minutes noticing, 5 demonstrating, 15–25 drawing and revising, 5 sharing. Collect the practice page and a specific explanation of one change. Evaluate the target skill and revision—not attractiveness or speed.

Grade	Support and challenge
3	Use a large feature study and one observed change. Supply page divisions and model the first landmark. Two trials are enough before application.
4	Complete the listed sequence. Compare two versions and label the contour, proportion, or overlap that changed.
5	Use an unfamiliar reference or second viewpoint after mastering the first. Explain which choices should stay consistent when simplifying or exaggerating.

Offer adapted grips, larger spaces, extra time, or a spoken reflection. Use fictional characters for deliberate distortion; do not mock classmates or stereotype identities. Obtain consent before drawing a peer. Proportion guides are comparisons, not rules for all faces.