Express Yourself

Jennifer Lyons

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Express Yourself

Use art for self-expression

This lesson encourages 3rd grade students to express their emotions and thoughts through creative outlets such as drawing and painting. Students will learn how art can be a tool for self-expression and coping, which is important for their emotional development and mental well-being. By engaging in this lesson, students will gain confidence in expressing themselves and learn to use art as a positive outlet for their feelings.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Use art for self-expression

Materials

Drawing paper, Colored pencils, Paints and brushes, Art smocks, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what emotions are and how we express them.
Ask students if they have ever used art to express how they feel.
Explain that today they will use art to express their emotions.

Step 2

Demonstration

10 mins

Show examples of how different colors and shapes can represent different emotions.
Demonstrate a simple drawing or painting that expresses a feeling, such as happiness or sadness.

Step 3

Art Activity

30 mins

Distribute drawing paper, colored pencils, and paints to each student.
Encourage students to create a piece of art that represents how they are feeling today.
Walk around the room to provide guidance and support as needed.

Step 4

Sharing and Discussion

10 mins

Invite students to share their artwork with the class if they feel comfortable.
Facilitate a discussion using prepared questions to help students articulate their feelings and the choices they made in their artwork.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the lesson by highlighting the importance of expressing emotions through art.
Encourage students to use art as a tool for self-expression in the future.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on using art for self-expression.

How did you decide what to draw or paint today?

Encourage students to think about their emotions and how they translated them into art.

What colors did you use and why?

Discuss how different colors can represent different emotions.

How do you feel after creating your artwork?

Help students reflect on the process of creating art and its impact on their emotions.