Lesson Plan
Artful Wellness Lesson Plan
Students will create visually engaging posters that promote chosen healthy habits by integrating artistic techniques and health concepts, demonstrating understanding through design and peer feedback.
This lesson reinforces wellness education by engaging students creatively, fostering critical thinking about health messages, and building communication skills through visual artistry and peer review.
Audience
High School Students (9th Grade)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on poster design linking art strategies with health promotion.
Materials
- Poster Paper (One 18x24 inch sheet per student), - Colored Markers and Pencils, - Rulers and Stencils, - Health and Art Concepts Handout, and - Artful Wellness Rubric
Prep
Material Preparation
10 minutes
- Print one copy of Health and Art Concepts Handout per student
- Print one copy of Artful Wellness Rubric per student or prepare projector display
- Arrange poster paper, markers, rulers, and stencils at each workspace
- Review common poster design examples and health-promotion visuals
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and share the lesson’s objective: combining art with health messaging
- Distribute the Health and Art Concepts Handout
- Briefly review key healthy habits (e.g., balanced diet, exercise, sleep hygiene) and showcase sample health-promotion posters
Step 2
Brainstorming
5 minutes
- Have students pair up and choose one healthy habit to highlight
- Ask pairs to jot down keywords, slogans, and visual symbols that represent their chosen habit
- Encourage quick sketching of layout ideas on scrap paper
Step 3
Design Phase
15 minutes
- Provide each student with poster paper and art supplies
- Instruct students to draft their poster, incorporating at least two artistic techniques (color contrast, typography, symbolism)
- Circulate to offer guidance on composition, readability, and visual impact
Step 4
Share & Feedback
3 minutes
- Students form new pairs to exchange posters
- Use the Artful Wellness Rubric to give one positive comment and one constructive suggestion
- Teacher circulates to observe and provide targeted feedback
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Assessment
2 minutes
- Lead a brief reflection: How does visual design enhance health messaging?
- Collect posters for display and score them using the Artful Wellness Rubric
- Highlight one or two standout designs and discuss what makes them effective
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Slide Deck
Artful Wellness
Combining Health and Art in Poster Design
Welcome students! Introduce yourself and the lesson. Explain how we’ll blend art skills with health messaging to create powerful posters.
Lesson Objectives
• Understand key healthy habits
• Learn artistic techniques for visual impact
• Create a health-promotion poster
• Give and receive constructive peer feedback
Read aloud the objectives. Emphasize understanding and creativity goals.
Examples of Healthy Habits
• Balanced Diet: colorful food pyramid visuals
• Regular Exercise: dynamic silhouettes in motion
• Quality Sleep: soothing imagery and calming colors
Show real-world posters or project sample images. Ask: Which habit stands out and why?
Key Art Techniques
• Color Contrast: draw attention to focal points
• Typography: choose fonts that match tone
• Symbolism: use icons to convey ideas quickly
Point out each technique and how it enhances messaging. Invite students to spot these on sample posters.
Activity Instructions
- Brainstorm: select one healthy habit and sketch ideas (5 min)
- Design: draft poster on large paper, apply 2+ techniques (15 min)
- Refine: adjust layout for clarity and impact (5 min)
Walk through each step, keeping the class on schedule. Circulate to support brainstorms and sketches.
Peer Feedback Guidelines
• Use the Artful Wellness Rubric
• Give 1 positive comment: cite a strength
• Offer 1 suggestion: focus on clarity or design
Explain the rubric criteria. Model a positive comment and one suggestion.
Worksheet
Health and Art Concepts Handout
Part 1: Understanding Healthy Habits
Healthy habits are actions we take daily to maintain or improve our well-being. Below are key habits often highlighted in health promotion posters:
- Balanced Diet: Eating a variety of foods in the right proportions to get all nutrients.
• Example: Placing colorful fruits and vegetables at the center of a plate graphic. - Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activities to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health.
• Example: Showing dynamic silhouettes running or cycling. - Quality Sleep: Prioritizing consistent rest to support mental focus and bodily repair.
• Example: Soft moon and stars imagery with calming colors. - Hydration: Drinking enough water to support digestion, temperature regulation, and energy.
• Example: A clear water bottle with fresh droplets illustrated. - Stress Management: Using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Example: Simple icon of a calm face with soft background shades.
Your Choice
Which healthy habit will you highlight in your poster? Explain why it matters to you and your peers.
Part 2: Key Art Techniques for Impact
Art techniques help direct the viewer’s attention and reinforce your message. Consider these strategies:
- Color Contrast: Using opposite or complementary colors to make elements pop.
• Example: Bright yellow text on a deep blue background. - Typography: Selecting fonts that match the tone (e.g., bold for urgency, script for calm).
• Example: A bold sans-serif headline paired with a handwritten subheading. - Symbolism: Using icons or images to represent ideas quickly.
• Example: A heart icon for cardiovascular health or a leaf for natural foods. - Layout & Composition: Arranging elements to guide the eye (e.g., rule of thirds).
• Example: Placing your focal symbol off-center for dynamic balance. - Imagery & Iconography: Integrating photographs or custom icons to illustrate concepts.
• Example: Stylized water droplet icons cascading across the poster.
Your Selection
Which two art techniques will you focus on, and how will they enhance your design?
Part 3: Brainstorming Prompts
Use the space below to record early ideas for your poster layout and messaging.
• Keywords or Slogans (catchy phrases to inspire action):
• Visual Symbols or Icons (images that represent your habit):
• Color Palette Ideas (primary and accent colors to convey mood):
Good luck brainstorming! Bring these ideas into your poster design to create a clear, compelling health message through art.
Rubric
Artful Wellness Rubric
This rubric will guide both peer and teacher assessment of health-promotion posters and feedback quality.
Scoring Scale
4 – Excellent (Exceeds expectations)
3 – Proficient (Meets expectations)
2 – Developing (Approaching expectations)
1 – Beginning (Below expectations)
| Criteria | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Content Accuracy & Clarity | Information is completely accurate, message is crystal-clear, and shows deep understanding of the habit. | Information is accurate with minor omissions, message is clear and understandable. | Some inaccuracies or omissions; message is partially clear but needs clarification. | Multiple inaccuracies; message is confusing or misleading. |
| Art Technique Application | Integrates ≥2 techniques masterfully (e.g., color contrast, typography, symbolism) to amplify the message. | Applies 2 techniques effectively, enhancing overall design and readability. | Uses 1–2 techniques but with inconsistent or limited impact on the message. | Minimal or incorrect use of techniques; design choices distract from the message. |
| Creativity & Originality | Design and slogan are highly original, engaging, and demonstrate inventive thinking about health promotion. | Shows clear creativity and a fresh approach; slogan and visuals feel personally crafted. | Some original elements, but parts rely on clichés or common stock imagery. | Lacks originality; design feels generic or unfinished. |
| Visual Appeal & Layout | Exceptional composition and balance; elements guide the eye; text is highly readable and visually striking. | Well-balanced layout; strong readability; visually pleasing with minor compositional tweaks possible. | Layout is acceptable but may feel cluttered or unbalanced; readability issues present. | Poor composition; cluttered or overly sparse; text is hard to read. |
| Peer Feedback Quality | Delivers one specific positive comment and one actionable suggestion using rubric language; shows reflection. | Offers one positive and one constructive comment with some specificity; uses rubric terms. | Provides feedback, but comments lack specificity or actionable detail. | Feedback is minimal, off-topic, or missing one or both required comments. |
Use this rubric to:
- Self-assess your own poster before sharing.
- Guide peer reviews: cite the numeric score and refer to the descriptors when giving praise or suggestions.
- Help the teacher provide fair, objective grading that aligns with our lesson objectives.