Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and emotional exploration, particularly for children. Beyond just a means of creating aesthetically pleasing pieces, art serves as a therapeutic outlet that nurtures development in young minds. It allows them to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a creative and non-verbal way, helping them to process emotions and develop a sense of identity.
Our new and exclusive Express Yourself Kit features 7 therapeutic art activities designed to engage and inspire up to 24 kids. From painting and drawing to jewelry and collage-making, engaging in artistic activities offers children a safe space to process their emotions, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness. Through the various activities in this pack, we explore many ways in which art serves as a therapeutic tool for children, fostering emotional resilience, cognitive growth, and an overall sense of gratitude and empowerment.
With a comprehensive activity guide included, schools can easily integrate these crafts into their programs, helping students to articulate their feelings, build self-esteem, and create a supportive community. Through expressive art, children can navigate their emotions and experiences, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling school environment.
Key Benefits:
➤ 7 curated activities promoting creative self-expression for mental health resilience
➤ Explore art as a therapeutic tool for kids’ SEL development
➤ Designed to promote positive values, self-awareness, kindness & gratitude
➤ Makes over 168 fun character-enriching projects – both individual and collaborative
➤ Activities are accessible for many differing ability levels
➤ For classroom, YMCA, afterschool, and camps
➤ Packed in a convenient tote
➤ Includes an Activity Guide
Activities included:
- “Gratitude Garland” with Colored Paper Strips
- 24 “Imagine Your Own Superhero” Velvet Art Posters
- “Be You” DIY Stretch Bracelets (makes 50)
- 24 “Favorite Thing” Canvas Paintings
- 24 “I Am” Collage Posters
- “I Am Grateful For” Fabric Hanging Quilt Collaborative Activity (25 squares to decorate and assemble into 1 wall hanging)
- 24 Color-Your-Own Gratitude Journals
The activities in this pack are designed to help elementary age kids engage in the process of artistic self-expression using a variety of creative materials. They’ll be encouraged to explore feelings of self-esteem, express gratitude, and celebrate individuality and inclusion through a series of engaging arts & crafts activities. Each activity included in this pack offers a unique opportunity for creative expression and enrichment.
While these activities are accessible for many differing ability levels, children’s drawing, coloring, and writing skills will vary, and some may need additional help or support.
Selected activities will encourage the exploration of their ideas and feelings promoting gratitude, kindness, resilience, and empowerment. We make it easy to introduce and practice these concepts with semi-structured, engaging activities designed to recognize each child’s uniqueness and promote positive values and self-awareness.
Gratitude Garland
Included Materials: 500 Colored Paper Strips, Glue Sticks
Activity:
Encourage kids to reflect on things they are grateful for and then write them on the colored paper strips. Give them examples like: Sunny Days, Baseball, My New Puppy, My Friends, Pizza! They can then assemble the paper strips into a garland either individually per child or collectively as a class/group by linking them together using glue sticks or tape. Additional rings can be added daily or as desired to keep the activity top of mind and to show that there are things to be grateful for every day. Hang the garland in a prominent place as a reminder of all the positive things in their lives. The pack of 500 strips is enough to create a nearly 100′ long chain!
Superhero Velvet Art Posters
Included Materials: 24 Superhero Posters 8” x 10”, Color Splash Markers Pack of 48
Activity:
Invite students to imagine themselves as a superhero and then have them complete the poster showcasing their superhero persona. Encourage them to think about their strengths, values, and aspirations. This activity celebrates their individuality and empowers them to embrace their inner superhero. Exclusive comic book style outline art allows creative freedom of expression.
“Be You” Stretch Bracelet
Included Materials: Elastic Cord, Assorted Pony Beads, Alphabet Beads.
NOTE: You will need scissors to cut the elastic cord
Activity:
Our kit comes with letter beads (packs of 50 each) to spell the words “BE YOU”. It also includes white elastic cord and colorful pony beads to make the bracelets. Begin by cutting individual lengths of elastic cord approx. 12” long. Guide children in creating a personalized “Be You” stretch bracelet that serves as a reminder to embrace their individuality & uniqueness. Pass out the letters to spell BE YOU and a length of cord to each child. Have them select pony beads to make a complete bracelet using a single bead to separate the words as they spell them. Encourage discussion about the different aspects and traits about themselves that make them – them! As they string the beads onto the cord, discuss the importance of being an individual and how every person is unique and valuable. Cut each finished bracelet to size by fitting to their wrist, removing beads if needed. Double knot the elastic with a simple overhand knot. There are enough supplies for them to make a second bracelet to give away to a special friend.
“Favorite Thing” Canvas Paintings
Included Materials: 24 Canvas Panels 5×5 inch, Acrylic Paint Strips, Paintbrushes, Mini Wood Easels.
NOTE: You will also need small cups of water and paper towels
Activity:
Encourage each child to paint a picture of their favorite thing or activity. Whether it’s a beloved pet, a cherished friend, a favorite food or a special place or activity, this painting allows them to express their preferences and interests artistically. Each child will get their own canvas, paint set, paintbrush, and easel. They may be more comfortable sketching their design first in pencil on the canvas before starting to paint. Display the finished masterpiece on the wood easel. Be sure they sign their artwork!
“I Am Grateful For:” Quilt/Wall Hanging
Included Materials: 25 Fabric Squares, Colorful Cords, Color Splash Fabric Markers (includes five 8 packs of markers)
NOTE: Fabric Markers are permanent on fabric – including clothing.
Before the activity, prepare by having teacher/adult write “I am Grateful (or Thankful) For:” at the top of each fabric square before handing them out to kids for them to decorate.
Activity:
Collaboratively, the kids create a gratitude quilt/wall hanging by decorating fabric squares with things they are grateful for. They can draw pictures, write words, or a combination of both using the fabric markers. Once the squares are decorated, assemble them into one piece by tying them together at the corners using the included colorful cords. Display the assembled piece so they can all admire their collective work. This collaborative activity celebrates individuality, self-esteem, and gratitude. Have them sign their artwork.
“I Am” Poster with Positive Personality Traits
Included Materials: 24 Printed Design Cardstock, Black Construction Paper, Personality Traits Pages, Watercolor Paints, Glue Sticks, Printed Instruction Sheet
NOTE: You will also need access to a copier to make copies of traits pages, scissors to cut the descriptive words they choose, small cups of water and paper towels.
Activity:
Guide children in creating an “I Am” poster that highlights their positive personality attributes. Using the watercolor paints, have them decorate the design background using colors that they like and choose. Then using the black construction paper, have them trace and cut out their own hand to paste in the center of the decorated poster. Cut out and glue an “I Am” medallion in the center. Next, have them choose and cut out the positive personality traits that they feel describe themselves to glue around their hand shape on the dry painted sheet. This activity promotes self-awareness and appreciation for one’s unique qualities. Have them sign their artwork.
Gratitude Journal for Kids
Included Materials: 24 Kids Gratitude Journals, Color Splash Markers
NOTE: Kids may also use pens, colored pencils, crayons, and even stickers (optional) to decorate their journal.
Activity:
Show the children how to use their gratitude journal to write down things they are thankful for following the daily and weekly prompts. They can personalize their journal by coloring the illustrations on the cover and throughout and completing the About Me page. They can also draw pictures or paste photos that represent moments of gratitude in the included Doodle spaces. Encourage them to reflect on their entries regularly to cultivate a mindset of appreciation and positivity.
7 Strategies To Promote Self-Esteem & Gratitude
Explore these with our kit!
1. Encourage Self-Expression: Art activities that allow children to express themselves freely can significantly boost self-esteem. Provide various materials like paints, markers, beads, and collage items, and let children create without constraints. We’ve included both open-ended and semi-structured activities.
2. Focus on Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into art activities to instill a sense of confidence and self-worth. For example, have children write affirming statements like “I am brave,” “I am kind,” or “I am capable” on pieces of paper and then incorporate them into a collage or artwork.
3. Gratitude Journals or Art: Encourage children to create gratitude journals or art pieces where they can express appreciation for the people, things, and experiences in their lives. Provide prompts such as “Draw/paint a picture of something you are thankful for” or “Write down things that you appreciate in your life.”
4. Collaborative Projects: Foster a sense of community and connection by organizing collaborative art activities. For instance, have children work together to create a mural or fabric wall hanging highlighting things they are grateful for in their family, community, or school. This collaborative effort reinforces teamwork and appreciation for the contributions of others.
5. Reflective Activities: Incorporate reflective activities into art sessions to help children recognize their strengths and accomplishments. For example, ask them to create a visual representation of an accomplishment they are proud of or a goal they achieved. This process encourages self-reflection and reinforces a sense of pride in their abilities.
6. Showcase and Celebrate: Display children’s artwork prominently to acknowledge their efforts and achievements. Hosting art exhibitions or sharing artwork with parents and peers provides validation and boosts self-esteem. Encourage positive feedback and praise from others to reinforce feelings of accomplishment. Be sure to have them sign their art pieces.
7. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Integrate mindfulness techniques into art activities to promote relaxation and gratitude. For example, lead guided meditation sessions before starting an art activity to help children cultivate a sense of calm and appreciation for the present moment.
8. Emotions Check-In: Use the Feelings Wheel on the back of the guide to help kids identify and discuss their emotions.
By incorporating these elements into art activities for kids, educators and facilitators can create meaningful experiences that foster self-esteem, gratitude, and emotional well-being. Through creativity and self-expression, children can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
NOTE: While these activities are accessible for many differing ability levels, children’s drawing, coloring, and writing skills will vary, and some may need additional help or support.
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