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Creativity Unplugged: Expressive Journals

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Lesson Plan

Creativity Unplugged: Expressive Journals

Students will explore creativity through the creation of expressive journals using writing, drawing, and collage, while enhancing emotional literacy and mindfulness.

This lesson nurtures self-expression and emotional understanding, empowering students to appreciate their unique creative voices and reflect on personal experiences.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60-90 minutes

Approach

Hands-on artistic activities paired with guided reflective discussion.

Materials

Lesson Plan, Creative Expressive Slide Deck, and Expressive Journal Activity Guide

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on creativity and self-expression.
  • Use the Creative Expressive Slide Deck to highlight examples of expressive journals.
  • Introduce the concept of using multiple mediums to convey personal emotions and experiences.

Step 2

Journal Creation Stations

40 minutes

  • Divide the class into small groups or allow individual work.
  • Students rotate among stations focused on writing, drawing, and collage.
  • Encourage students to experiment and select the medium that best expresses their feelings.
  • Remind students to refer to the Expressive Journal Activity Guide for specific prompts and ideas.

Step 3

Reflection & Sharing

10-20 minutes

  • Invite students to share parts of their journals in small groups or with the entire class.
  • Facilitate a group discussion on how different mediums helped convey emotions.
  • Encourage students to reflect on what they learned about themselves and creativity.
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Slide Deck

Creativity Unplugged: Expressive Journals

Welcome! Today we'll explore self-expression through writing, drawing, and collage. Let's unlock our creative voices.

Introduce the lesson and set a tone of openness and creativity.

What is an Expressive Journal?

An expressive journal is a creative space where you can combine words, images, and textures to capture thoughts and emotions. It encourages mindfulness and self-reflection.

Discuss what an expressive journal is and why it's a tool for self-discovery.

Writing Station

Use writing to explore your inner thoughts. Prompt: 'Describe a moment that deeply moved you and why it felt significant.'

Show examples and prompts for the writing aspect. Encourage students to write freely without self-censorship.

Drawing Station

Express your emotions through drawing. Prompt: 'Illustrate your feelings using colors and shapes. What do these colors say about you?'

Emphasize the power of visual expression. Provide examples of sketches or doodles and discuss how art can convey feelings.

Collage Station

Combine images, textures, and words. Prompt: 'Create a collage that reflects your personal journey or an important moment in your life.'

Introduce collage as a way of piecing together a story. Provide examples of imagery and how juxtaposition can reflect mood.

Reflection & Sharing

Discuss your experiences and what each medium revealed about your inner self. What did you learn about your creative voice?

Encourage students to share their process and findings. Prepare to facilitate a discussion on the use of different mediums to express emotions.

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Activity

Expressive Journal Activity Guide

This guide is designed to help you navigate through each expressive station—writing, drawing, and collage. Follow the steps below, and allow your creativity to flow as you capture your feelings and experiences.

Instructions for Each Station

Writing Station

Prompt: "Describe a moment that deeply moved you and explain why it felt significant."

  • Guidelines:
    • Write freely: Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Focus on expressing your true thoughts and emotions.





    • Consider using metaphors or descriptive language to capture the depth of your experience.

Drawing Station

Prompt: "Illustrate your feelings using colors and shapes. What do these colors say about you?"

  • Guidelines:
    • Use any drawing materials available—pencils, markers, crayons, etc. Feel free to experiment with different styles.





    • Think about the emotions each color evokes for you and how different shapes can represent feelings or memories.

Collage Station

Prompt: "Create a collage that reflects your personal journey or an important moment in your life."

  • Guidelines:
    • Cut and paste images, words, or textures from magazines, newspapers, or provided materials.





    • Arrange your pieces in a way that tells a story or conveys a mood—consider the impact of contrast and composition.

Reflection & Sharing

After completing your expressive journal, take a few moments to reflect:

  • What did you discover about your emotions and creative process?





  • How did each medium (writing, drawing, collage) help you express different aspects of your experience?





Sharing Guidelines:

  • If you feel comfortable, share parts of your journal with small groups or the entire class. Listening to others can provide new insights and inspiration.





  • Consider discussing any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them in your creative process.

Remember, this is an opportunity to explore and express your inner self without judgment. Let your unique voice shine through every page of your journal.

Happy creating!

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Creativity Unplugged: Expressive Journals • Lenny Learning