Lesson Plan
Mindful Masterpiece Lesson Plan
Student will engage in a structured art activity to channel attention, identify and label emotions in their artwork, and practice self-regulation through guided reflection.
This session helps a student with ADHD practice sustained focus in a creative task, increase emotional awareness, and develop healthy coping strategies for self-regulation.
Audience
4th Grade Student
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Guided art creation and reflection to build focus and emotional awareness.
Materials
- Drawing Paper, - Colored Pencils Set, - Markers Set, - Timer or Stopwatch, - Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet, and - Emotion Wheel Printable
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print and cut the Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet.
- Print the Emotion Wheel Printable and display it where visible.
- Gather art supplies: drawing paper, pencils, colored pencils, markers.
- Ensure a timer or stopwatch is available.
- Review the Mindful Masterpiece Lesson Plan to familiarize with the session flow.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Welcome the student and explain the session’s purpose: using art to build focus and explore emotions.
- Lead a brief mindfulness exercise: take three slow, deep breaths, noticing physical sensations.
- Show the Emotion Wheel Printable and discuss how different colors and shapes can represent specific emotions.
Step 2
Creative Drawing Activity
25 minutes
- Provide drawing paper and art supplies.
- Present the first prompt from the Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet (e.g., “Draw a scene that represents how you feel when calm”).
- Set the timer for 12 minutes and encourage focused drawing.
- Introduce the second prompt (e.g., “Use colors and shapes to show a time when you felt frustrated”), reset timer for 12 minutes.
- Remind the student to stay aware of their breath and attention as they create.
Step 3
Reflection & Discussion
20 minutes
- Invite the student to share both drawings, asking:
- What did you enjoy about each piece?
- Which colors or shapes represent specific emotions?
- How did focusing on each prompt make you feel?
- Use the Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet to guide questions and deepen self-awareness.
- Help the student identify one self-regulation strategy practiced (e.g., deep breathing) and discuss its effect.
Step 4
Closure & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize key insights: note the student’s focus, emotional expression, and use of coping strategies.
- Encourage ongoing use of art and breathing techniques when feeling distracted or emotional.
- Schedule a brief check-in in the next session to review progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Slide Deck
Mindful Masterpiece
Art Therapy Session for Focus, Emotional Awareness, and Self-Regulation
60 Minutes • Individual • 4th Grade Student
Let’s use drawing and reflection to build new skills!
Welcome the student warmly. Introduce yourself and explain that today they will use art to practice focus and explore how they feel. Keep tone encouraging and positive.
Introduction & Warm-Up
• Purpose: Use art to build focus and explore emotions
• Mindfulness Exercise: 3 slow, deep breaths—notice your body
• Emotion Wheel: Colors & shapes for feelings (happy, calm, frustrated, etc.)
Guide the student through a brief breathing exercise. Hold up the Emotion Wheel printable and point out different feelings represented by colors and shapes.
Drawing Prompt 1
Draw a scene that represents how you feel when you’re calm.
• Use colors and shapes that show calm feelings
• Focus on your breath and attention
• Timer: 12 minutes
Hand over drawing paper and art supplies. Read aloud Prompt 1 and set the timer. Remind the student to notice their breath as they draw.
Drawing Prompt 2
Draw a time when you felt frustrated using colors and shapes.
• Show frustration through your art
• Notice how your body and breath feel
• Timer: 12 minutes
Reset the timer and present Prompt 2. Encourage the student to stay present with their creativity as they work.
Reflection & Discussion
• What did you enjoy about each drawing?
• Which colors/shapes show specific emotions?
• How did focusing on each prompt make you feel?
• Which coping strategy (e.g., deep breathing) did you use, and how did it help?
Use the Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet to ask each question, giving the student time to think and respond. Affirm their answers and help label emotions.
Closure & Next Steps
• Key Insights: Focus, emotion expression, self-regulation strategies
• Encourage: Use art and deep breaths whenever you feel distracted or upset
• Next Session: Quick check-in on progress and goal setting
Summarize key observations: focus during drawing, emotion awareness, use of strategies. Encourage the student to practice art + breathing when distracted. Plan next check-in.
Reading
Emotion Wheel Printable
Use this wheel to help identify and label your feelings when you create art. Each slice shows an emotion and a matching color.
Color Key
| Emotion | Color |
|---|---|
| Calm | Blue |
| Happy | Yellow |
| Excited | Orange |
| Surprised | Purple |
| Scared | Green |
| Sad | Gray |
| Angry | Red |
| Frustrated | Brown |
How to Use
- Look at your drawing and notice how you feel.
- Find the emotion on the wheel that matches your feeling.
- Remember the color and emotion when discussing your art.
Draw & Label Your Wheel
Draw a large circle and divide it into 8 equal slices, like a pie.
• Color each slice based on the Color Key above.
• Label each slice with the matching Emotion.
Worksheet
Guided Reflection Prompt Sheet
Use the prompts below to reflect on your drawings. Write your responses in the spaces provided. You can use the Emotion Wheel Printable to help you identify and label feelings.
After Drawing: Calm Scene
- Describe what you drew for the calm prompt:
- Why did you choose those colors and shapes to show calm?
- How did focusing on a calm scene affect your breathing and body?
After Drawing: Frustration Scene
- Describe what you drew for the frustration prompt:
- Why did you choose those colors and shapes to show frustration?
- How did drawing frustration make you feel in your mind and body?
General Reflection
- Which drawing did you enjoy making the most, and why?
- Which self-regulation strategy (for example, deep breathing) helped you stay focused or calm? How did it help?
- How might you use art and breathing techniques together when you feel distracted or upset in the future?
Great job reflecting! Remember, you can revisit these questions any time you use art and mindful breathing to explore your feelings.
Cool Down
Mindful Exit Ticket
Please answer the questions below to wrap up our art therapy session today.
- What did you learn about using art and breathing techniques to help your focus and emotions?
- What is one art or breathing strategy you will try next time you feel distracted or upset?
Great job today! Remember to use these strategies whenever you need to feel more calm and focused.