Lesson Plan
Color Me Calm Lesson Plan
In this 30-minute individual art therapy session, the student will use coloring and creative activities to identify and express emotions, practice mindfulness, and learn at least two coping strategies for managing stress.
Building self-awareness and stress-management skills through art supports emotional well-being. Identifying feelings and practicing coping strategies fosters resilience and self-regulation.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Printables
10 minutes
Step 1
Session Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Emotion Wheel
5 minutes
Step 3
Coloring and Creative Expression
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection and Coping Strategy Discussion
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Color Me Calm
Session Agenda
Session Check-In
Emotion Wheel
Mindful Coloring
Reflection & Coping Strategies
Closing & Next Steps
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Mood Map Mastery
Student will map daily emotions using color-coded templates, reflect on patterns, and identify triggers and coping strategies.
Regular emotion tracking builds self-awareness, uncovers patterns, and empowers proactive stress management by linking feelings with coping skills.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Mood Map Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Session Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Mood Map
5 minutes
Step 3
Complete Mood Mapping
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
Lesson Plan
Confidence Collage Session
In this 30-minute individual art therapy session, the student will create a personalized collage reflecting their core strengths and values to boost self-esteem and self-expression.
Helping students identify and celebrate their unique qualities fosters self-worth, resilience, and a positive self-image. Visualizing strengths through collage makes abstract concepts tangible and empowering.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Printables
10 minutes
Step 1
Session Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Strengths Reflection
5 minutes
Step 3
Collage Creation
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection and Share
5 minutes
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Stress Squeeze Sculpt
In this 30-minute individual art therapy session, the student will sculpt clay to express their current emotions, learn at least two coping strategies for stress, and reinforce those techniques through guided reflection.
Working with clay provides a tactile, calming outlet for emotions and enhances self-awareness. Linking the creative process to specific coping strategies empowers students to manage stress in tangible, memorable ways.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Handouts
10 minutes
Step 1
Session Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Emotion Sculpture
15 minutes
Step 3
Introduce Coping Strategies
5 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
Activity
Lesson Plan
Brush Away Stress
In this 30-minute individual art therapy session, the student will use watercolor painting to mindfully explore and diffuse stress, practicing two art-based coping strategies while creating soothing abstract designs.
Watercolor’s fluid, sensory nature supports mindfulness and emotional release, helping students develop healthy stress-management skills through creative expression and self-awareness.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Space
10 minutes
Step 1
Session Check-In
5 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Mindful Painting
5 minutes
Step 3
Creative Painting Activity
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Coping Strategies
5 minutes
Activity
