Tap into a calmer classroom atmosphere with our varied collection of 23 art activities that promote mindfulness. Letting the mind wander freely has been known to have many benefits- some of which include increased levels of engagement thereafter, and better levels of awareness in the present moment. Peruse our collection to find a few picks that would best suit the needs of your students.
1. Nature’s Mosaic
Encourage your learners to explore the textures and colors of the natural world by creating a mosaic made of its elements. They can blend pebbles, twigs, leaves, and flowers to achieve this.
Learn More: Big Bang Mosaics
2. Guided Watercolor Meditation
Lead a meditation while you invite your students to channel their tranquility into art. They can each pick up a paintbrush and dabble with watercolor creations.
Learn More: YouTube
3. Serenity Stones
Why not evoke mindfulness by getting your kiddos to decorate rocks with symbols or uplifting words? These pocket-sized talismans can then serve as reminders of tranquility during tense times.
Learn More: Experience Jackson
4. Breath Bubble Art
Invite your learners to discover the power of their breath as they blow liquid watercolor bubbles onto paper; resulting in a striking artwork.
Learn More: Kids Activities Blog
5. Mindful Lens
Under your guidance, your students can be prompted to capture serene moments through the lens of a camera- later arranging them into a collage.
Learn More: Calm Sage
6. Tranquil Labyrinth Task
Task your students with tracing the intricate path of a labyrinth as they reflect on their own journey through life.
Learn More: Craft Whack
7. Leaf Weaving
Here’s a refreshing twist on traditional weaving, and a peaceful way to end the school day! Under the Autumn sun, your class can collect fallen leaves. Once back in the classroom, learners can then weave patterns to echo nature’s rhythms whilst experiencing the meditative quality of this art form.
Learn More: YouTube
8. Inner Reflection Self-Portraits
As your students create self-portraits, they can journey inward; exploring and expressing their personal qualities and interests through their design.
Learn More: Glow Blogs
9. Mindful Collage Journaling
Introduce your students to a new form of journaling that combines collaging with written reflections. As they arrange images and jot down their thoughts, encourage them to take the time to ruminate on their self-awareness.
Learn More: Reddit
10. Affirmation Art
Evoke a sense of mindfulness by asking your students to come up with personal affirmations. Once written out, they can adorn the sayings with artistic embellishments before displaying them somewhere prominent.
Learn More: Louise Gale
11. Still Life Serenity
Ask your students to slow down and observe a still-life setup; taking time to note all the intricate work and small details. The act of doing so will ground them in the present moment and nurture mindful artistry.
Learn More: Art Station
12. Found Object Expressions
Collecting objects and making them into art? Now that’s a fun way to integrate mindfulness in your classroom! As your students craft, lead a discussion on how these items represent their personal journeys to mindfulness.
Learn More: Crystal Bridges
13. Miniature Sculptural Garden
Sensory exploration is on the agenda as you invite your students to shape a miniature sculpture garden! As they mold their piece and enjoy a textured endeavor, they’ll find peace in the calmness of it all.
Learn More: Instructables
14. Dreamcatcher Craft
Your students can weave their dreams into tangible objects by designing dreamcatchers. Encourage them to focus on the process; offering a mindful moment for each loop and knot made.
Learn More: YouTube
15. Serene Paper Marbling
There’s a certain magic in watching colors swirl and patterns form. Introduce your students to the mesmerizing process of paper marbling and let them try their hand at a new and meditative activity.
Learn More: YouTube
16. Mindful Embroidery
Mindful embroidery is the perfect task for busy minds! As your little crafts cross-stitch away, they’ll enjoy the stress relief that comes with it.
Learn More: Amy Of Melbourne
17. Paper Quilling Serenity
Paper quilling becomes a lesson in concentration and meditation as your students roll and fold each strip of paper. This exercise is a highly relaxing and wonderful way of evoking mindfulness.
Learn More: Pinterest
18. Tranquil Zen Garden
Miniature Zen gardens are generally used as a tool to aid meditation. As you teach your students to rake through the sand, you help instill a deeper sense of peace and mindfulness.
Learn More: Homedit
19. Serenity String Art
Geometry and mindfulness collide as your students create designs using only nails and strings. Encourage them to focus on the process rather than the end result; drawing their attention to the essence of mindfulness.
Learn More: Pinterest
20. Drip Painting
From forming orderly patterns to leaving wild drips, your students can explore the spontaneity of creating a drip painting. As they watch colors meld and form abstract masterpieces, they’ll learn to let go of control and simply be in the present moment.
Learn More: Masterpiece Society
21. Breathing Bead Chain
Foster mindfulness in a tactile manner by inviting your students to craft a breathing bead chain. A single bead transforms into a symbol of focused attention as learners thread a bead for each breath they take.
Learn More: YouTube
22. Mindful Glitter Jar
Brighten up your classroom with glitter jars that double up as mindfulness tools. As the glitter whirls and settles, students can be prompted to consider their own flurry of thoughts and emotions.
Learn More: Fireflies and Mudpies
23. Drawing to Music
Round your day off with a peaceful art activity. Engage your students’ sense of hearing as you encourage them to draw and practice mindfulness whilst listening to music.
Learn More: YouTube