Lesson Plan

Stress Relief Lesson Plan

Students will explore drawing, writing, and movement-based techniques to identify stress triggers and develop personalized art-based coping strategies.

Teaching creative stress-relief empowers students to recognize emotional challenges, express feelings safely, and build lifelong coping skills that enhance mental well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to Stress and Creativity

5 minutes

Step 3

Activity 1: Drawing Stress

12 minutes

Step 4

Activity 2: Reflection Writing

12 minutes

Step 5

Activity 3: Movement Break

6 minutes

Step 6

Closure and Sharing

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

From Stress to Serenity

Welcome students. Introduce the lesson’s goal: to explore creative ways to manage stress through drawing, writing, and movement. Briefly outline the flow of the session.

What is Stress?

Define stress in simple terms. Ask students to share quick examples of how stress feels or shows up for them.

Common Sources of Stress

List common stress sources. Invite students to call out additional sources not listed.

Why Use Creativity?

Explain why creative outlets help regulate emotions. Mention that art activates different brain areas than rumination.

Today’s Activities

Present an overview of the three main activities and the warm-up/closing.

Activity 1: Drawing Stress

Distribute paper and coloring tools. Encourage abstract shapes and colors to convey intensity rather than words.

Activity 2: Reflection Writing

Hand out the Stress-Relief Reflection Worksheet. Guide students to connect their drawing to specific triggers and feelings.

Activity 3: Movement Break

Lead students to an open space. Demonstrate each movement slowly, reminding them to sync with their breath.

Introduce the breathing demo video. Play it and lead students through one round of the exercise together.

Share & Closing

Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight or strategy. Recap the three techniques and encourage students to practice at home and journal.

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Activity

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Worksheet

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From Stress to Serenity

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Kathleen Attea

Tier 1
For Schools
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