Our Expressions/Their Expressions

Clowns are a big hit with kids! Explore a few circus related websites to get an idea of how clowns look and what they do. They then build sculpting skills by creating expressive clown faces out of clay. Web links, materials list, and...

A getting-to-know-you activity that is perfect for the beginning of the year! Kids craft their portrait out of clay, then make a mobile by dangling ceramic representations of things they love. This project builds self-awareness, motor...

Help young readers find, identify, and use their voices with a set of empowering activities based on Peter H. Reynolds' trilogy of books. Sky Color, Ish, and The Dot focus on recognizing moods and treating each other kindly, and their...

Students discover the movements possible in their own body by performing dances in class.  In this physical education lesson, students define several key terms related to dancing which will help them follow instructions.  Students...

As educators we are always looking to boost our learners' self esteem. Here they will analyze a Colombian sculpture, identify its traits, and then list positive traits about themselves. They'll create treasure boxes that exemplify a...

How do you feel when you get a compliment? Give a compliment? After modeling how to make explicit compliments (“I like the way . . .”) ask class members to practice saying nice things about themselves and others, and to consider how...

Students identify the moods expressed in the work of several famous artists. They express an emotion in a painting through the use of color, line, and texture. Students analyze and reflect on the emotions expressed in their work and the...

Students explore feelings.  In this mental health cross-curriculum lesson plan, students listen to My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss and discuss their own moods and feelings.  Students sing related songs, write about feelings, and play a...

Students develop a podcast as they retell the story of The Polar Express. In this early childhood lesson plan, students experience technology by creating a podcast. Students also create illustrations to be scanned for the podcast.

Students identify their own and others' feelings and emotions. They participate in a class discussion about feelings, develop a list of emotions, create a class collage, and role-play a "Feelings Dance."