Emotion Painting Stations Setup Guide

This activity guide helps teachers set up and run four art stations where students explore and express different emotions through abstract painting.

Overview

Students rotate through four stations (7 minutes each) painting an abstract representation of a specific emotion. Focus is on color choice, shapes, and textures to deepen emotional literacy and self-awareness.

Materials per Station

• Large art paper (e.g., 12×18 in)
• Acrylic or tempera paints in assorted colors
• Variety of paintbrushes and sponges
• Water cups and paper towels
• Station sign (emotion label) and prompt sheet

Station Emotion Prompts

1. Joy
   • Prompt: “Use bright, warm colors and flowing shapes to show joy.”
2. Frustration
   • Prompt: “Use bold, irregular strokes and darker hues to convey frustration.”
3. Calm
   • Prompt: “Use soft pastels and gentle lines to evoke calm.”
4. Excitement
   • Prompt: “Use energetic marks and vibrant colors to depict excitement.”

Setup Steps (15 minutes before class)

1. Label four distinct areas or tables with emotion posters and place materials there.
2. Print or write each station’s prompt on laminated sheets.
3. Arrange paints, brushes, paper, water cups, and towels neatly at each station.
4. Assign student groups (4–5 per group) and post a rotation chart.
5. Prepare a visible timer or use the Station Rotation Timer slide.

Running the Activity (30 minutes)

• Start the timer for 7 minutes and direct groups to their first station.
• After 7 minutes, signal rotation; groups move clockwise to the next station.
• Circulate and use these teacher prompts at each station:
  • “How does this color make you feel?”
  • “What shapes or lines represent that emotion?”
  • “Why did you choose these textures?”

Time Management

• Total painting time: 4 stations × 7 minutes = 28 minutes
• Rotation signals: 4 transitions (quick 10–15 second breaks)
• Encourage quick clean-up between rotations.

Cleanup (5 minutes)

1. Have students return brushes to rinse bins.
2. Wipe and stack palettes/paper.
3. Collect used towels and empty water cups.
4. Organize painted sheets around the room for the Gallery Walk.

Once all stations are complete, proceed to the Gallery Walk Share Guidelines to celebrate and discuss students’ emotional artwork.

Gallery Walk Share Guidelines

Purpose

Help students engage with peers’ artwork, practice empathetic feedback, and deepen understanding of how emotions can be expressed visually.

Steps for Gallery Walk

1. Arrange all emotion paintings around the room at eye level.
2. Give each student two sticky notes: one for a positive observation, one for a question or suggestion.
3. Set a timer for 5 minutes and have students quietly circulate.
4. At each artwork, students:
   • Read the station label (joy, frustration, calm, excitement).
   • Leave one positive comment and one thoughtful question/suggestion using sticky notes.
   • Move on when ready, aiming to visit at least 8–10 artworks.

Feedback Guidelines

• Be specific: Refer to colors, shapes, or textures you notice.
• Be respectful: Focus on what you appreciate or wonder about.
• Be curious: Ask open-ended questions (e.g., “What inspired these bold strokes?”).

Whole-Class Share

After the walk, invite volunteers to share responses to prompts:

• “What surprised you about someone else’s expression of this emotion?”
  
  
  
  
  
  
• “Which comment on your own painting felt most meaningful, and why?”
  
  
  
  
  
  

Reflection Questions

Have students write brief answers in their journals:

1. What patterns or similarities did you observe across different paintings for the same emotion?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How did reading peers’ thoughts change how you think about expressing emotions through art?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use these guidelines to foster a supportive environment where students learn from each other’s perspectives and strengthen emotional literacy through art.

Emotion Exit Poll

Instructions: Please complete these quick reflections before you leave:

1. Select the one emotion you felt most strongly during today’s lesson (circle one):
   • 😊 Happiness
   • 😢 Sadness
   • 😠 Anger
   • 😌 Calm
   • 🤩 Excitement

Your choice: ____________________________________________

1. Why did you choose this emotion? Write one sentence below:

______________________________________________________________

1. What helped you most in expressing your emotions today? (One brief thought):

______________________________________________________________