Lesson Plan
Canvas of Connection Plan
Students will collaboratively design and paint a mural that reflects their individual stories and group bonds, fostering self-expression and peer connection in a single 60-minute session.
This lesson encourages teens to express their identities, develop communication skills, and strengthen peer bonds through collaborative art, supporting social-emotional growth and an inclusive classroom community.
Audience
Middle School Students (13–15 Years Old)
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Guided collaborative painting with structured sharing and reflection.
Materials
- Large Blank Canvas, - Assorted Acrylic Paints, - Assorted Paint Brushes, - Paint Palettes, - Cups of Water, - Paper Towels or Rags, - Disposable Aprons, and - Washable Markers for Sketching
Prep
Prepare Workspace and Materials
10 minutes
- Lay out the [Large Blank Canvas] on a table or against a wall where all students can reach.
- Arrange paint palettes, brushes, and cups of water within easy reach of the group.
- Distribute disposable aprons and paper towels at the work area.
- Lay out washable markers for preliminary sketching.
- Ensure all paints are open and ready for use.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Invite students to gather around the canvas and take an apron.
- Briefly introduce the session’s goal: collaborative storytelling through art.
- Lead a quick icebreaker: each student names one favorite color and one emotion it represents.
Step 2
Story Sharing
10 minutes
- Ask each student to share a personal symbol or image that represents something meaningful to them (e.g., hobby, memory, value).
- Encourage active listening: peers nod or give thumbs-up to show support.
- As teacher, note common themes to highlight connection.
Step 3
Design Planning
10 minutes
- Hand out washable markers for sketching.
- In small groups (3–4), students discuss where to place their symbols on the canvas.
- Groups sketch light outlines collaboratively, ensuring balanced composition.
- Teacher circulates to guide composition and encourage integration of designs.
Step 4
Mural Painting
25 minutes
- Transition to acrylic paints and brushes.
- Students fill in their sketched symbols, layering colors and textures.
- Encourage cooperative painting: students help one another blend edges and share brushes.
- Teacher prompts reflection on how areas connect visually and thematically.
Step 5
Clean-Up
5 minutes
- Students rinse brushes in cups of water and place them on paper towels.
- Wipe palettes and table surfaces with paper towels.
- Fold and discard aprons appropriately.
- Ensure the mural dries in a safe spot.
Step 6
Reflection & Discussion
5 minutes
- Gather around the finished mural and guide a group discussion:
- What story does our mural tell together?
- How did collaborating change your connection to peers?
- Encourage each student to share one word that describes their feeling about the final piece.
Slide Deck
Canvas of Connection
A 60-minute collaborative art session for 13–15 year-olds to create a shared mural reflecting personal stories and group bonds.
Welcome teachers to the session. This slide introduces the Canvas of Connection project. Highlight the goals: self-expression, peer bonding, and communication skills.
Session Goals & Details
• Objectives: Students will collaboratively design and paint a mural that reflects their individual stories and group bonds.
• Audience: 13–15 year olds
• Duration: 60 minutes
For full details, see Canvas of Connection Plan.
Point educators to the objectives in the lesson plan and emphasize Tier 1 universal design.
Agenda
• Warm-Up (5 min)
• Story Sharing (10 min)
• Design Planning (10 min)
• Mural Painting (25 min)
• Clean-Up (5 min)
• Reflection & Discussion (5 min)
Use a visible timer or countdown to keep the session on track.
Materials & Prep
• Large Blank Canvas
• Assorted Acrylic Paints & Brushes
• Paint Palettes, Water Cups, Paper Towels
• Disposable Aprons
• Washable Markers for Sketching
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
See Canvas of Connection Plan for workspace setup.
Prepare materials beforehand; arrange the space for accessibility and easy reach.
Warm-Up (5 min)
• Gather around the canvas; distribute aprons
• Introduce goal: collaborative storytelling through art
• Icebreaker: each student names a favorite color and the emotion it represents
Keep the tone light. Encourage each student to share briefly.
Story Sharing (10 min)
• Each student shares a personal symbol or image (hobby, memory, value)
• Peers show support with nods or thumbs-up
• Teacher notes common themes to highlight connection
Circulate and validate each student’s contribution.
Design Planning (10 min)
• Hand out washable markers; form groups of 3–4
• Discuss where to place each symbol on the canvas
• Sketch light outlines collaboratively for balanced composition
• Teacher circulates to guide integration of designs
Ensure all voices are heard; encourage compromise in group decisions.
Mural Painting (25 min)
• Transition to acrylic paints and brushes
• Fill in sketched symbols, layering colors and textures
• Encourage students to help one another blend edges and share brushes
• Prompt reflection on how areas connect visually and thematically
Offer tips on color mixing; facilitate peer support and cooperative blending.
Clean-Up & Reflection (10 min)
Clean-Up:
• Rinse brushes; place on paper towels
• Wipe palettes and tables; discard aprons
Reflection & Discussion:
• What story does our mural tell together?
• How did collaborating change your connection with peers?
• Each student shares one word that describes their feeling about the final piece
Model clean-up steps quickly; use open-ended questions to deepen reflection.
Teacher Tips & Inclusion
• Support IEP/504 needs (visual prompts, extended time)
• Use bilingual labels or peer buddy translations
• Offer alternative roles (designer, painter, documenter)
• Encourage positive feedback and affirmation throughout
Differentiate roles and provide scaffolds for diverse learners.
Activity
Symbol Sketch Warm-Up Activity
Objective: Students will quickly sketch a personal symbol to represent themselves, warming up creative expression and preparing to share their stories.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:
- Blank paper or sketchbook pages
- Pencils or washable markers
Instructions:
- Distribute Materials (1 min)
- Hand each student a sheet of paper and a drawing tool (pencil or marker).
- Hand each student a sheet of paper and a drawing tool (pencil or marker).
- Sketch Your Symbol (2–3 min)
- Ask students to think of a symbol that represents something meaningful to them (e.g., a hobby, memory, or value).
- Give them time to sketch it on their paper.
- Pair Share (1–2 min)
- Students pair up and take turns explaining their symbol’s meaning.
- Partners listen actively and show support with a thumbs-up or nod.
- Group Reflection (1 min)
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their symbol and story with the whole class.
- Highlight any common themes or surprising connections.
This warm-up primes creative thinking and helps students feel comfortable sharing before the collaborative mural planning begins.
Cool Down
Connection Reflection (Exit Ticket)
Please take a few minutes to reflect on today’s mural project. Write your responses below.
- What part of today’s mural-making helped you feel more connected to your peers? Explain briefly.
- Choose one word that describes how you feel after collaborating on the mural:
- One new thing I learned about a classmate today is:
- A personal takeaway from this project is:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!