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 Laughing Face: Make It Your Cartoon

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make three small design trials and a repeatable original cartoon version. Focus on a laughing face.

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

Coordinate mouth, cheeks, and eyelids.

Try three small versions, changing one shape or proportion each time. Keep the choice playful and respectful.
Draw the mouth opening.
Lift cheek shapes and narrow the lids as observed.
Keep the head shape recognizable.
Choose one trial. Draw it twice while keeping two identifying details consistent; use clean selective lines.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Only the mouth changes

Repair: Use at least one cheek and eye clue.

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 Laughing Face: 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 Laughing Face

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 laughing face. 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 the mouth opening. Then deliberately show this drawing problem: only the mouth changes. Think aloud as you repair it: Use at least one cheek and eye clue.

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.