Lesson Plan
Calmness Creations Lesson Plan
Students will create calming art that expresses feelings using soft pastel colors and gentle music, promoting emotional regulation and mindfulness.
This lesson supports emotional self-soothing and mindfulness, helping young learners navigate their feelings during energetic spring.
Audience
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive art creation and reflective discussion.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Calmness Creations Lesson Plan for guidance.
- Prepare the Slide Deck with soft pastel visuals and calming music links.
- Arrange activity materials (paper, crayons, pastels) in an organized manner.
Step 1
Introduction and Discussion
5 minutes
- Introduce the lesson and discuss how colors and music can evoke calming feelings.
- Ask students to share what makes them feel peaceful.
Step 2
Art Creation Activity
25 minutes
- Play gentle background music and display visuals from the Slide Deck.
- Guide students to create their own calming art using the provided materials.
- Encourage them to use soft pastel colors and focus on expressing their feelings.
Step 3
Reflection and Sharing
15 minutes
- Invite students to share their artwork and explain the emotions behind their choices.
- Ask reflection questions such as: 'How did creating art make you feel?' and 'What colors helped you feel calm?'
- Facilitate a group discussion to reinforce mindfulness.
Slide Deck
Welcome to Calmness Creations
Today, we're going to explore how colors and music can help us feel calm and peaceful.
Introduce the lesson by welcoming students and explaining how art, colors, and music can create a sense of calm. Use soft pastel visuals and gentle background music to set the tone.
Create Your Calming Art
Use soft pastel colors to draw what makes you feel peaceful. Listen to the gentle music and let your art reflect your inner calm.
Provide further instructions as students begin creating their art. Remind them to let their feelings guide their choice of colors and shapes while the soft pastel visuals and gentle music continue playing in the background.
Share Your Thoughts
Let's share our artwork. How did creating art make you feel? What colors brought out your calmness?
Facilitate an open discussion as students share their artwork. Ask guiding questions about their feelings and color choices. Encourage each student to describe how the activity made them feel.
Activity
Calmness Creations Activity
This activity is designed to create a peaceful environment where students in grades K-2 can express their emotions through calming art. Follow the guidelines below to set up the space and provide the materials needed for a soothing session.
Materials List
- Paper (preferably white or light-colored)
- Crayons or pastels in soft, gentle colors (e.g., pink, lavender, pale blue, and pale green)
- Optional: Watercolor paints and brushes
Setting Up the Classroom
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Calming Environment:
- Arrange seating in a circle or semi-circle to promote a sense of community and ease.
- Dim the lights slightly or use natural lighting to create a soft atmosphere.
- Display soft pastel visuals on the board or project screen by referencing the Calmness Creations Slide Deck.
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Background Music:
- Play gentle, soothing music at a low volume. The music should be calming and unobtrusive to ensure it aids relaxation without being a distraction.
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Art Materials:
- Place art supplies (paper, crayons, pastels) on a table where students can easily access them.
- Ensure that each student has enough materials to express their unique style.
Activity Step-by-Step
1. Introduction
- Begin the session by briefly explaining the purpose of the art activity.
- Ask the students what colors or images make them feel calm. Let them share their ideas with a small group or the whole class.
2. Art Creation
- Invite students to create their own calming art. Remind them that the goal is to express feelings of peace and calm:
- Use the soft pastel colors provided.
- Think about a peaceful scene, like a calm day at the park or a quiet moment at home.
3. Reflection and Sharing
- Once the students have finished their artwork, ask them to share the story behind their creation:
- What colors did they choose and why?
- How did the process of creating art make them feel?
- Facilitate a brief group discussion to help them articulate their feelings and reinforce the concept of mindfulness.
Follow-up Points for Teachers
- Encourage Self-Expression: Remind students that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' art. The emphasis is on expressing how they feel.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Introduce simple mindfulness exercises (deep breathing or gentle stretching) alongside the activity for added calmness.
- Art Display: Consider creating a classroom display of the students' artworks to celebrate their unique expressions of calm.
This activity is part of the larger Calmness Creations Lesson Plan which includes interactive discussions and the use of a slide deck to provide a complete sensory calming experience.