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GRADES 3–5 · Cartoon Design · Simple Portraits

Three Expressions, One Character: Keep the Important Lines

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make a full study and a simplified version with only the essential lines. Focus on three expressions, one character.

Shared feature reference for Cartoon Design — 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

Keep identity while changing emotion.

Make a light observed study. Identify three contours or overlaps that communicate the form.
Draw three matching head outlines.
Keep hairstyle and feature spacing consistent.
Change brows, eyes, and mouth for three expressions.
Redraw using only those essential marks. Omit texture and reduce shading; ask a partner what remains clear.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: The design changes with each mood

Repair: Keep two identity clues constant.

Check your work: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

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

Three Expressions, One Character: Keep the Important Lines · Practice page

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

1 · Warm-up: Three Expressions, One Character

2 · First plan

3 · Revise one choice

4 · Independent application

My evidence: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________

Teach this handout · 30–45 minutes

Prepare: Choose a clear reference showing three expressions, one character. 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 three matching head outlines. Then deliberately show this drawing problem: the design changes with each mood. Think aloud as you repair it: Keep two identity clues constant.

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.