An Anti-Oppression Craft To Help Kids Love Themselves And Others

Look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I’m incredible!”

These words come from the popular song, Look into the Mirror, created by Iya and The Kuumba Kids. The simple act of recognizing what makes you and your children incredible is a beautiful first step to seeing what is unique and wonderful about you and the people around you. This statement is important to racialized or differently-abled children as it reminds them how they are incredible too.

Sometimes we all need that nudge of introspection, and by looking in the mirror, kids will be able to see the incredible in the people that are part of their lives, and those who might seem different from them as well. The more we help foster inclusion and self-reverence, the more we help children experience, witness and express a sense of self-love and self-worth for who they are.

That's why this 'I'm Incredible!' anti-opression drawing activity is so great — it's a fun and creative exercise that parents and kids of any age can do together. It pulls out themes of racial inclusion, celebrating differences and building self-confidence.

Here's what you'll need:

• a handheld mirror
• three pieces of paper, letter size or larger
• pencils, markers, pastels, crayons, etc.
• decorative elements: Sparkle glue, feathers, rhinestones, stickers, heart-shape cut outs, etc
• cut photos or photocopy of the people being featured in the collage (if you are not drawing them)
• picture frame (optional)
• tape or tacks to affix to the wall (optional)
• camera or mobile phone to photograph and share (optional)

Step One: Set the Mood

Play positive music in the background. You can even consider dancing around a little before starting.

The Kuumba Kids is a real hit with toddlers and preschoolers, but if you’re collaborating with older kids you might want to choose from a playlist that they resonate with.

Here are some examples you might want to add to your playlist.

Video by India Arie
Rise Up by Andra Day
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen.
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves.
I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan

Step Two: What Do You See?

Look in a mirror and start first by saying “I’m incredible,” then state other positive affirmations that go beyond looks. Share the things you see that are incredible about each other.

Be sure to also share the things that you can’t see that are incredible. And don't forget to write them down.

Step Three: Get Creative

Create a self-portrait from what you see in the mirror. If you decide not to draw, take a photo of each other and print it and cut it out, then paste it on a blank piece of paper that the kids can draw on. I recommend pasting on a much larger sheet of paper so that there's lots of room to colour and decorate.

It’s great if you can each make your own portrait, but it’s also totally fine to focus on supporting your child.

Cover the image with positive words, stickers and pictures of things that represent what makes them feel incredible. Get creative and colourful!

Looking for another activism activity? Check out this creative sign exercise that promotes diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Step Four: How Do You See Your Family? 

Choose someone you consider a close friend or family member, and repeat step three by drawing their portrait.

Next, ask your child what they see that makes that person, in their eyes, incredible? Write down their responses and have them decorate it.

Take it a step further by texting that person a photo of the finished artwork!

Step Five: How Do You See Your Neighbours?

Now create a drawing of someone in your community, neighbourhood or school who is different from you.

Brainstorm different people and discuss what makes them incredible! If you don’t know of anyone, then it’s time to do some research together.

Create a similar portrait of them and write or draw all of their incredible attributes.

When you’re done share you creative work with them too!

Step Six: Keep The Incredible Discussions Ongoing

Once the activity is over, display the portraits where they can be seen. They'll serve as daily a positive reminder!

You can use also this activity as a great way to start conversations to discuss the importance of learning about people beyond their outer appearance or skin colour, treating people the way they want to be treated, what it means to be inclusive and why all bodies are beautiful.

Every day, parents and caregivers have the opportunity to be examples of self-love and inclusion in playful and creative ways. With a little time and practice, our modelled behaviour will help kids embrace these ideas as their own.