Lesson Plan
Pause, Breathe, Create
In this lesson, students will explore how art can be a tool to express or reflect on emotions.
Grades:
View aligned standards
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to understand and express their emotions through artwork.
Introduction
(10 minutes)- Before the lesson begins, write "Emotions in Art" on the board, and place the gallery walk images you selected around the room.
- Join the class together in a circle, either seated or standing.
- Ask them to become as still as they can, and to take a few deep breaths.
- Guide students to check in with their bodies.
- Ask, "How do you feel? Happy? Bored? Sad?"
- Tell them that whatever they may feel is totally okay.
- Invite them to notice how the emotion feels in their body and to label the emotion. For example, if they notice they are feeling happy they can silently say, "Happy...happy..."
- Encourage them to really reflect on how that emotion feels in their body. For example, their heart may feel warm, or their toes may tingle.
- Have them take a few deep breaths and open their eyes when they are ready.
- Ask the students what they noticed, what emotions they felt, and where they felt them in their body.
- Project an artwork image on the board.
- Tell the class to look at the colors and shapes.
- Ask them how they feel when they look at this image.
- Take 2–3 responses.