Art and Mindfulness

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Art and Mindfulness

Using art as a relaxation tool

In this lesson, students will combine art with mindfulness practices to create calming and reflective pieces. This is important as it provides them with creative tools for relaxation and stress management, which are essential in leading healthy and productive lives.

Audience

Leaders (ages 13-18)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Using art as a relaxation tool

Materials

Paper, Colored pencils/markers, Plain pencils, Erasers, Attachment: Mindfulness Discussion, and Attachment: Art Activity Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome the students and provide an overview of the session.
Discuss the benefits of mindfulness and how art can be a tool for relaxation.
Share the objective of the lesson: learning techniques to use art as a form of relaxation.

Step 2

Guided Mindfulness Exercise

10 mins

Lead the students through a simple mindfulness exercise (e.g., deep breathing, guided visualization).
Encourage them to pay attention to their breath and any sensations in their body.

Step 3

Art Activity

25 mins

Distribute the art supplies to the students.
Instruct students to create a piece of art that represents a place, feeling, or situation that makes them feel calm and relaxed.
Encourage them to take their time and focus on the process rather than the final product.
Play calming music in the background (optional).

Step 4

Reflection

5 mins

Ask students to quietly reflect on how they felt during the art activity.
Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions in the attachment: Mindfulness Discussion.
Encourage students to share their experiences and any thoughts on how they might use art for relaxation in the future.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to continue practicing mindfulness and using arts as tools for relaxation.
Thank the students for their participation.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Mindfulness Discussion

A discussion to reflect on the mindfulness exercises and art activity in the lesson.

How did you feel during the mindfulness exercise?

Encourage students to be honest and share their experiences without judgment.

What did you think about while creating your art piece?

Help students connect their thoughts and feelings to the mindfulness exercise.

How do you think you could use art as a tool for relaxation in the future?

Encourage students to think about practical ways they can incorporate art into their daily lives for relaxation.

Worksheet

Art Activity Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students through creating their mindfulness-related art piece.

Describe the place, feeling, or situation your art represents. Why did you choose it?

Think about what makes this place, feeling, or situation calming for you.

What colors did you use and why?

Consider how the colors contribute to the calming effect of your art.

How did this activity make you feel?

Reflect on your emotions and physical sensations during the activity.

Do you think you will use art as a relaxation tool in the future? Why or why not?

Think about the benefits you experienced and if you might want to try it again.