Mindful Masterpieces

Samantha Viele

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Masterpieces Lesson Plan

Students explore mindfulness through art by creating pieces that visually express their emotions, while cultivating focus and relaxation.

This lesson fosters self-awareness, emotional expression, and mindfulness, helping students manage stress and build creative problem-solving skills.

Audience

Grades 7-9 Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Guided mindful painting and reflective discussion.

Materials

Mindful Masterpieces Lesson Plan, Digital Slide Deck, and Art Supplies (paints, brushes, paper)

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

15 minutes

Review the Mindful Masterpieces Lesson Plan in detail.
Prepare a digital slide deck introducing mindfulness concepts.
Gather and set up art supplies for each student.
Arrange a calm, open space conducive to mindfulness and art-making.

Step 1

Introduction & Mindfulness Discussion

10 minutes

Use the slide deck to introduce the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
Ask students how they are feeling to start tuning into their emotions.
Set a calm tone for the session.

Step 2

Mindful Painting Exercise

30 minutes

Guide students through a mindful painting process where they focus on expressing their emotions with color and form.
Encourage them to paint silently, focusing on their breath and the sensations of painting.
Remind students that there is no right or wrong, only personal expression.

Step 3

Reflection & Sharing

15 minutes

Invite students to share their artwork and the feelings they experienced during the exercise.
Facilitate reflective discussion with questions like: 'What did you notice about your thoughts?' and 'How did painting help you understand your emotions?'
Summarize the key takeaways of mindfulness and creative expression.

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Slide Deck

Mindful Masterpieces

Explore mindfulness through art. Let's create expressive, relaxing masterpieces together.

Welcome students to 'Mindful Masterpieces'. Introduce the topic and explain how today's lesson will guide them into using art as a medium to explore mindfulness and express their emotions. Emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to create their art today. Use a calm tone and slow pace.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. It helps us focus our thoughts, calm our emotions, and appreciate the beauty around us.

Explain the concept of mindfulness. Discuss what it means to be present and the benefits of mindful awareness. Encourage students to think about how they normally experience their emotions and how mindfulness can help provide clarity.

Mindful Painting Exercise

Use colors and forms to express your inner feelings. Focus on each brush stroke and let art guide your emotions.

Introduce the painting exercise. Guide them through the process by encouraging quiet concentration, focusing on their breath, and expressing their emotions with colors and forms. Remind them that the process is more important than the final product.

Reflection & Sharing

Discuss the feelings you experienced:

What thoughts arose during your painting?
How did the exercise impact your mood?
Let’s share and reflect together.

Facilitate a reflective discussion. Ask open-ended questions to help students share their experience and what they discovered about themselves during the process.

Activity

Mindful Painting Activity

In this activity, you'll dive deep into your emotions and express them through art. The process is less about creating a masterpiece and more about being present with your feelings and letting your creativity flow. Grab your paints, brushes, and paper, and follow the steps below to begin your mindful journey.

Activity Steps

Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet spot where you feel comfortable. Arrange your art supplies so they're within easy reach. Take a moment to sit quietly and feel the space around you.
Set Your Intention
Before you begin, think about your current emotional state. What feeling do you want to express today? It might be joy, sadness, calm, or even uncertainty. Reflect on that emotion for a moment.
Begin Your Mindful Painting
Start painting by focusing on your breath. Let each brush stroke be a direct expression of your current emotion. Do not worry about making the painting look a certain way—this is about the process, not the product.
Stay Present
As you paint, remind yourself to remain in the moment. If you notice any distractions or intrusive thoughts, gently bring your focus back to the colors, textures, and strokes of your painting.
Conclude the Painting Process Mindfully
When you feel your painting is complete or you simply need to take a break, set your brush down. Take another few deep breaths and appreciate the work you’ve created as a reflection of your inner feelings.

Reflection

After the painting activity, consider these questions to guide your reflection:

What emotions did you experience as you painted?
How did focusing on your breath and the act of painting affect your state of mind?
What did you learn about your emotional expression through art?

Write down your thoughts in your journal or share them with a partner or in a group discussion. Remember, every painting is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong answers.

Tips for Success

Be Patient: The process may start slowly; that's perfectly fine.
Let Go of Perfection: This activity is about mindfulness, not creating a perfect piece of art. Allow yourself to be imperfect and spontaneous.
Stay Open: You might discover new feelings or insights as you paint, so remain open to the experience.

Enjoy your journey towards mindfulness, and let your painting reveal the unique story of your inner world.