![A Buddy Portrait is displayed in the Primary School hallway.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740759633/oldtrailorg/jvokdszraoztz8mals0c/buddy-drawings.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740759633/oldtrailorg/jvokdszraoztz8mals0c/buddy-drawings.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740759633/oldtrailorg/jvokdszraoztz8mals0c/buddy-drawings.jpg","width":800}])
At OTS, we believe in nurturing the whole child—academically, socially and emotionally. Our preschool Buddy Portraits project is a heartwarming example of how our youngest learners develop critical life skills such as empathy, collaboration and creativity in an engaging and meaningful way.
Through this activity, each preschooler is thoughtfully paired with a peer and given a special task: to observe and draw one another. At first glance, it may seem like a simple art project, but Buddy Portraits go far beyond the surface. As children study their partners’ faces, they notice unique features, expressions and similarities that they may not have seen before. This process encourages active listening, patience and attention to detail—important elements in building strong connections and friendships.
The experience is about more than just drawing; it is about learning to see and appreciate others. By working one-on-one with a new friend, our young artists engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate both their differences and commonalities. In a fun and supportive environment, they develop the ability to empathize with others, reinforcing the values of kindness and inclusivity that are at the core of our community.
At Old Trail, we take pride in offering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that foster emotional intelligence and interpersonal growth. Buddy Portraits is just one of the many ways we encourage children to explore their world with curiosity, compassion and creativity—helping them build the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful relationships.
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![Middle School theatre students perform during the Theatre Skills Expo.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732022228/oldtrailorg/rhjm6nfvt73r3n7ueuqf/theatre-skills-expo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732022228/oldtrailorg/rhjm6nfvt73r3n7ueuqf/theatre-skills-expo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732022228/oldtrailorg/rhjm6nfvt73r3n7ueuqf/theatre-skills-expo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732022228/oldtrailorg/rhjm6nfvt73r3n7ueuqf/theatre-skills-expo.jpg","width":1200}])
![The "Leaf Man" artwork of a Preschool 2 student.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731345045/oldtrailorg/tuqm6w0k0fvy9hhdbmku/leaf-man.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731345045/oldtrailorg/tuqm6w0k0fvy9hhdbmku/leaf-man.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731345045/oldtrailorg/tuqm6w0k0fvy9hhdbmku/leaf-man.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731345045/oldtrailorg/tuqm6w0k0fvy9hhdbmku/leaf-man.jpg","width":1100}])
