Art of Letting Go

Sarah Corrigan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Art of Letting Go

Manage Holiday Stress Creatively

This lesson encourages students to express their holiday anxieties through creative arts such as drawing or poetry. By engaging in this activity, students can explore and release their feelings constructively, leading to better emotional awareness and relaxation. This lesson is important as it provides students with a healthy outlet for stress and promotes emotional well-being.

Audience

Grades 6-8 Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Manage Holiday Stress Creatively

Materials

Paper, Colored pencils or markers, Worksheet: Creative Expression, and Discussion Guide: Reflecting on Holiday Stress

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by discussing the concept of stress and how it can be heightened during the holiday season.
Ask students to share any feelings or experiences they associate with the holidays.
Explain that today they will use creative arts to express and manage these feelings.

Step 2

Creative Activity

15 mins

Distribute the "Creative Expression" worksheet.
Instruct students to choose between drawing or writing a poem about their holiday feelings.
Encourage them to focus on expressing their emotions freely without worrying about artistic perfection.

Step 3

Reflection Discussion

10 mins

Use the "Reflecting on Holiday Stress" discussion guide to facilitate a conversation.
Encourage students to share their artwork or poetry if they feel comfortable.
Discuss how expressing emotions through art can help manage stress and promote relaxation.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to use creative expression as a tool for managing stress in the future.
Thank students for their participation and openness.

Worksheet

Creative Expression Worksheet

This worksheet guides students in expressing their holiday-related feelings through drawing or poetry. It encourages them to explore their emotions and find relaxation through creative expression.

Draw a picture that represents how you feel about the holidays.

Think about colors and shapes that match your emotions.

Write a poem about your holiday experiences and feelings.

Consider using metaphors or similes to express your emotions.

Discussion

Reflecting on Holiday Stress

This discussion guide helps facilitate a conversation about holiday stress and the benefits of creative expression. It encourages students to share their experiences and learn from each other.

What feelings do you associate with the holidays?

Encourage students to think about both positive and negative emotions.

How did creating art or poetry help you express your feelings?

Discuss the process of translating emotions into creative work.

Can you think of other ways to manage stress during the holidays?

Explore different strategies and share personal experiences.