5 Ways to Include Art and Creativity in SEL
No matter if you teach general education, are a school counselor, a music teacher, or run a behavior support classroom – social emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation. SEL can very easily be encouraged and taught through stand alone lessons, which are great for explicit teaching. While traditional teaching methods are crucial, integrating art and creativity in SEL can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable for students. Here are five creative ways teachers can include art and creativity in SEL.
Emotion-Focused Artwork
Encourage students to express their emotions through visual art. Provide a variety of art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, and watercolors. Ask students to create artwork that reflects their current emotions. This can be an excellent icebreaker activity at the beginning of the school year, helping students get in touch with their feelings and providing a platform for discussing emotions openly. This is also an awesome opportunity to connect with your school’s art teacher. When we infuse our content across domains, it makes learning SO much more visible and real for kids.
Emotion Charades
Combine the creativity of drama with SEL by playing emotion charades. In this game, students act out different emotions without speaking while their peers guess the emotion being portrayed. It’s a fun way for students to practice recognizing and understanding facial expressions and body language, enhancing their emotional awareness and empathy. This is one of the many SEL activities I add into the “activity” portion of morning meeting.
Storytelling and Creative Writing
Encourage students to write stories or poems that explore emotions and interpersonal relationships. Provide prompts that relate to common SEL themes, such as empathy, friendship, or conflict resolution. Storytelling allows students to delve into the experiences and perspectives of others, fostering empathy and better understanding of their own emotions.
Collaborative Art Projects
Foster teamwork and cooperation by organizing collaborative art projects that promote SEL. Divide students into groups and assign them a theme related to emotions or social skills. Each group can create a piece of art that embodies their theme, and at the end, they can present their artwork to the class, explaining how it relates to SEL concepts like empathy, communication, or self-awareness. Introducing and using the Mood Meter is a great way to do this! It is a truly seamless way to integrate art and creativity in SEL lessons and tools.
Mindfulness Art
Try incorporating mindfulness techniques into art activities. Teach students how to use art as a way to relax, focus, and be present in the moment. For example, have students engage in mindful coloring, mazes, or zentangle art, where they create intricate patterns while concentrating on their breath and sensory experiences. This practice helps students manage stress, improve self-regulation, and enhance their emotional well-being. Mindful art can also be a meaningful coping skill. This is a perfect skill to introduce to ALL students.
Integrating Art and Creativity in SEL is Powerful for ALL Kids
By integrating art and creativity in SEL, teachers can create a more holistic and engaging educational experience for their students. These activities not only reinforce SEL concepts but also allow students to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and build valuable life skills in a fun and imaginative way. As educators, let’s remember that art has the power to inspire, heal, and connect us on a profound emotional level, making it an invaluable tool in promoting social-emotional growth in the classroom.
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