Lesson Plan
Mindful Coloring Retreat Plan
Students will engage in mindful coloring of intricate patterns to practice concentration and self-soothing techniques and reflect on their feelings to build self-awareness.
Cultivating mindfulness helps young learners develop emotional regulation, focus, and calm, equipping them with tools to manage stress and improve classroom engagement.
Audience
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Guided breathing, focused coloring, and reflection.
Materials
- Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set, - Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Markers, - Plain White Paper or Cardstock, and - Optional: Soft Instrumental Music
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set for each student
- Gather coloring tools (pencils, crayons, markers)
- Prepare a quiet, comfortable seating area with ample workspace
- Queue up soft instrumental music if using
- Review the lesson flow and key mindfulness talking points
Step 1
Introduction to Mindfulness
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle or at their desks
- Define mindfulness: paying attention to the present moment without judgment
- Explain how coloring can be a tool for mindfulness
- Ask: “How do you feel when you’re calm or focused?”
Step 2
Mindful Breathing Exercise
5 minutes
- Instruct students to sit comfortably and close their eyes
- Guide a simple breathing pattern: inhale for 3 seconds, exhale for 3 seconds (repeat 3–5 times)
- Encourage noticing the rise and fall of the chest without forcing breath
Step 3
Coloring Activity
20 minutes
- Distribute Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set and coloring tools
- Ask students to begin coloring slowly, focusing on each shape and color choice
- Remind them to breathe slowly and notice how their body feels as they color
- Differentiation: offer simpler patterns or tracing outlines for students needing extra support
Step 4
Reflection and Sharing
10 minutes
- Invite students to put down their tools and observe their finished work
- Prompt with questions: “What did you notice about your breathing?” or “How did coloring make you feel?”
- Encourage sharing one word or sentence about their experience
- Provide drawing or sentence-starter prompts for emerging writers
Step 5
Cleanup and Closing
5 minutes
- Guide students to put away materials neatly
- Reinforce the idea that they can use mindful coloring anytime they need calm
- End with a collective deep breath and a positive affirmation (e.g., “I am calm and focused”).
Activity
Mindful Coloring Activity
Goal: Lead students through a focused coloring session that builds concentration, calm, and self-awareness.
Materials:
- Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Optional: soft instrumental music
Steps
1. Create a Calm Space (2 minutes)
• Dim lights slightly or draw curtains.
• Play soft instrumental music at a low volume (optional).
• Ask students to take one big stretch and settle into their seats.
2. Guided Breathing Warm-Up (3 minutes)
• Invite students to place hands on their bellies.
• Lead them: “Breathe in slowly for 3 counts… 1-2-3. Breathe out for 3 counts… 1-2-3.”
• Repeat 3 times.
• Prompt: “Notice how your belly moves. Feel calm.”
3. Introduce the Coloring Task (2 minutes)
• Show an example pattern on your screen or chart paper.
• Explain: “We’ll color each shape slowly. Notice your breathing and your colors.”
• Encourage choosing favorite colors or trying new ones.
4. Mindful Coloring Session (20 minutes)
• Distribute Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set and coloring tools.
• Remind students: “Color each shape one at a time. Take deep breaths as you color.”
• Check-in Prompts (circulate & whisper):
- “What shapes do you like most?”
- “How does your body feel as you color?”
- “What color makes you feel calm?”
Differentiation
• Early learners / support: Provide worksheets with larger shapes or simple outlines to trace.
• Advanced learners: Offer an additional challenge: create a small pattern in the blank border.
• Sensory needs: Let students choose between pencils, crayons, or a stress ball for fidgeting.
5. Reflection & Sharing (10 minutes)
- Invite students to put down tools and look at their work.
- Ask one or two classmates to share:
- “What did you notice about your breathing?”
- “Which color felt most peaceful?”
- For emerging writers, prompt: “I felt ___ when I colored.”
- Leave space for them to draw a small smiley or write one word.
- Leave space for them to draw a small smiley or write one word.
6. Closing Ritual (3 minutes)
• Lead a final deep breath together: inhale (1-2-3), exhale (1-2-3).
• Affirmation: “I am calm, I am focused.”
• Encourage: “Remember, you can use these breathing and coloring steps anytime you need calm.”
Worksheet
Mindful Coloring Worksheet Set
Page 1: Kindergarten – Simple Shapes
Color each shape. Use any colors you like and take your time.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○
□ □ □ □ □
△ △ △ △ △
Page 2: Grade 1 – Intermediate Patterns
Color the repeating patterns. Notice each shape and choose calm colors.
Pattern A: ◼ ◻ ◼ ◻ ◼ ◻
Pattern B: ⚪ ◼ ⚪ ◼ ⚪ ◼
Border Design: Draw and color your own repeating pattern around the box below:
[ ]
[ BOX ]
[ ]
Page 3: Grade 2 – Intricate Design
This detailed mandala-style pattern has many small sections. Color slowly, one section at a time, and notice how you feel.
(Insert a circular floral pattern with petals, dots, and swirls for coloring)
Page 4: Reflection
- Which page did you enjoy coloring the most? Why?
- How did coloring make you feel? Write a few words or draw a face showing your feeling below:
Remember: You can come back to these designs anytime you need a moment of calm.