SEL Art Lesson Counseling Art Activity Hold On Let Go SEL Art Activity

Help your students explore emotions, self-awareness, and personal growth through this engaging Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Art Lesson! Designed for grades 3 and up, this lesson guides students in reflecting on what they will hold onto and let go of in their lives while creating a meaningful and expressive artwork.

Perfect for art teachers and homeschool educators, this lesson integrates SEL into art, fostering self-reflection, mindfulness, and emotional expression in a creative and engaging way. Whether used as part of a SEL curriculum, an art unit, or for personal development, this resource provides everything needed for an impactful and inspiring lesson.

VIDEO ART LESSON

This is a video art lesson. Your download includes the lesson plan and printable pages, plus a "Watch the Video" page with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “I am not a fan of the social/emotional curriculum that my district has us do as it is more lecturing and worksheets. I love this because it allows the students to talk about important social/emotional concepts with a creative touch. My students got so into this and created some great works of art. We then had a great discussion around the "Let Go's" and they gave each other ideas on how to let them go!” Nicolette S.

★★★★ “This was a phenomenal addition to my mental health unit. The students loved getting to express themselves artistically, especially with things that meant so much to them. Than you!” Melanie V.

★★★★ “My students love this activity, and it was so easy to use.” Ruby School Geek

WHAT IS SEL?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process that helps both kids and adults:

• Develop self-awareness and self-management skills
• Understand and regulate emotions
• Build social skills and healthy relationships
• Show empathy and improve decision-making

This art-infused SEL lesson encourages students to express emotions visually while building meaningful discussions about growth, change, and self-care.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? (Non-Editable)

This comprehensive and engaging SEL Art Lesson provides everything you need to make teaching easy and enjoyable.

• Detailed Lesson Plan (2 pages)
• Materials list
• Learning objectives
• Step-by-step teaching guide (Teacher Does/Student Does)
• Discussion prompts for SEL reflection
• Step-by-Step Drawing Handout
• A structured guide to help students confidently create their artwork
• Visual and written instructions to accommodate different learning styles
• Full-Color Example of the Finished Artwork
• Provides students with an example to reference for inspiration
• Art Making Reflection Worksheet
• Prompts for students to think critically about their artwork and personal connections to the theme
• Student Project Reflection Sheet
• A guided reflection for students to evaluate their process and artistic decisions
• Artist Statement Template
• Encourages students to write about their artistic choices and SEL themes
• Video Art Tutorial
• A complete step-by-step demonstration to make teaching easy!
• Play for students or use as a guide for your own instruction
• Assessment & Marking Rubric
• Easy-to-use rubric for grading student work based on creativity, effort, and reflection
• Bulletin Board Display Sign
• A printable title sign for creating an inspiring classroom or homeschool art display

This resource is designed to be flexible and can be adapted for different age groups, art skill levels, and classroom settings!

MATERIALS & MEDIUMS

This lesson is designed for flexible mediums, allowing students to choose their favorite materials!

• Pencil, eraser, black felt marker
• Template (included!)
• Choice of mediums (paint, markers, colored pencils, pastels, or mixed media)

HOW TO PREP

• Project the video tutorial for students to follow or use it as a teacher guide for demonstration.
• Review the lesson plan for required materials and gather them in advance.
• Print any necessary student handouts (step-by-step guides, rubrics, templates).

HOW TO USE

• Introduce the SEL theme and discuss what it means to hold onto or let go in life.
• Show the video tutorial or demonstrate the steps using the provided guide.
• Allow students to experiment with different materials for their artwork.
• Have students complete the reflection worksheet and artist statement to connect art with their personal growth.
• Use the rubric for easy assessment and display the finished artwork for a meaningful bulletin board or SEL showcase!

WHO IS THIS RESOURCE FOR?

• Classroom Teachers integrating SEL into art or morning meetings
• Art Educators looking for creative and meaningful projects
• Homeschool Parents seeking SEL-based art activities
• Counselors & SEL Specialists incorporating art into student wellness programs

• Primary, Elementary, and Middle School teachers
• Access to hundreds of lessons with lesson plans, student handouts, full step-by-steps, and more!
• Time-saving planning & engaging projects at your fingertips!

YOU MAY

Use this for many years in your classroom or homeschool.

Modify for your students' needs.

Purchase additional licensing for school use.

YOU MAY NOT

Share this product with other teachers, administration, or districts (Admin must purchase additional licensing).

Sell, post, or distribute this product for free (including blogs, websites, or shared drives).

Use this on Outschool or similar platforms.

READY TO BRING SEL INTO YOUR ART CLASS?

This Social Emotional Learning Art Lesson is a powerful way to help students process emotions, reflect on personal growth, and create meaningful art. Download today and start making impactful art with your students!

Sincerely,

Ms. Artastic

Images and Lessons are Copyright Products

YOU MAY

For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.

Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like

By additional licensing for school use.

YOU MAY NOT

Use this on OutSchool

Put on your Blog

Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.

Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

FILES YOU WILL DOWNLOAD

• Hold Onto Let Go Of SEL Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip: the lesson plan and printable pages (PDF), plus a "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial

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