01
Color Your Emotions
The classic activity of emotional recognition and mindfulness, but with a cartoon twist: make your own inside-out character and associate it with its color, corresponding to your current emotion(s). Have students practice self-reflection and mindfulness through guided questions.
My Traits on Rocks
Practice self-affirmation and confidence by having students paint words/pictures of affirmation or things that describe them onto rocks. The rocks can be a fun decoration for students to express themselves artistically.
03
Inside-out Boxes
What do other people think of us? What actually describes us internally? Decorate the interior and exterior of a box to reflect upon these questions. Have students reflect on how they view themselves and how they think others view them through a fun shoe-box activity.
04
Calming Jars
The classic sensory jar project for any classroom. A simple project with minimal materials that will keep the bored kids entertained, the overactive children calm, and teach emotion regulation with beautiful colors and glitter.
05
Flag of Fantastic Me
The US has a flag that symbolizes the characteristics of America. Design your own flag that symbolizes the characteristics of yourself. If you were a country, what would you like others to know about you at first glance? What are your strengths?
06
Mini Mirror of Me
Who doesn't love a custom-designed, individualized mirror? A small handheld or craft mirror to reflect who they are inside and out. Using paint, markers, stickers, collage materials, and symbols, they design the frame to show their strengths, feelings, and things that make them unique.
07
Daily Diary of Colors
Invite students to record their feelings each day by choosing and filling in a color that matches their mood. Over time, the diary becomes a visual map of emotions, helping kids build self-awareness and recognize patterns in how they feel.
08
Butterfly’s Journey
Transform goals and dreams into a colorful butterfly life cycle, showing growth from where they are now to where they want to be. Each stage—caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly—helps reflect on the student's strengths, challenges, and the steps needed to reach their aspirations.
09
My Safe Space
What troubles us? What makes us comfortable? Build a mini model of a place where they feel calm and secure, using a shoebox and art materials to bring their inner sanctuary to life. The outside of the box can show challenges or worries, helping them explore and reflect on what troubles them while celebrating their personal coping spaces.
10
Grow a Garden! (of me)
Students design a garden where each plant, flower, or tree represents something that describes who they are: strengths, hobbies, or dreams. This creative activity helps them explore self-identity while expressing their personality in a colorful, symbolic way.
11
Ladder of Growth
Students create their own personalized “color ladder,” where each rung shows a way they can grow—such as being kinder to classmates, staying focused during lessons, or managing frustration in healthy ways. This activity connects to the classroom behavior ladder but encourages students to reflect on their own strengths and set personal goals for improvement.
12
Obstacle Course
Students design a mini, cute obstacle course on paper where each obstacle represents a personal challenge—like procrastination, shyness, or negative self-talk—that they want to overcome. By drawing playful hurdles, tunnels, or bridges, they can visualize ways to move past difficulties and celebrate their ability to keep going.
13
Naming My Names
Students write out their name and choose a positive word or trait that begins with each letter, turning their name into a symbol of their strengths and personality. This classic activity builds self-esteem and helps students reflect on the unique qualities that make them who they are.
14
My Constellation
Students create their own constellation by connecting stars that represent their qualities, dreams, or important experiences. The design choices and patterns are endless! This activity encourages self-reflection while turning personal traits into a unique, imaginative star pattern.
15
Bridge to Tomorrow
Students draw a bridge connecting their current self to their future goals, labeling each step with actions they can take to move forward—like practicing a skill, asking for help, or trying something new. This activity helps them break big dreams into manageable steps while visually seeing the path to their future success.
16
Texture Board (not complete)
Students create a board using different materials—like fabric, sandpaper, foil, or cotton—to represent their feelings, personality, or experiences through touch. This hands-on activity not only encourages self-expression but also supports emotional regulation, helping students notice, process, and manage their emotions in a calming, creative way.
