Grade Level: Middle/High School (Ages 12-18)
Duration: 90 minutes
Objective:
Students will explore the themes of self-expression, identity, and conflict resolution through art. By creating visual art that represents their personal values, goals, and positive alternatives to violence, students will engage in a reflective process to build self-esteem and gain skills to prevent involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Materials Needed:
- Art supplies: construction paper, markers, colored pencils, paint, brushes, glue
- Large poster boards
- Magazines (for collage work)
- Scissors
- Journals or sketchbooks
- Markers and pens for writing
- Projector for visual prompts (optional)
Lesson Breakdown:
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
- Discussion: Begin by discussing the impact of choices and self-expression. Ask students: “How do you express yourself?” and “What do you think happens when we keep our emotions or frustrations inside?”
- Objective Overview: Explain that art can be a powerful tool to help us manage emotions, express ourselves in healthy ways, and make positive decisions.
- Storytelling: Share a brief story or example of a person who turned to art as a way to cope with difficulties or who used art to create change in their life. (Jimi Hendrix – Art and Music)
2. Artistic Expression Exercise (35 minutes)
Part 1: Personal Reflection (10 minutes)
- Give students time to reflect in their journals or sketchbooks on the following questions:
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- What are some challenges you’ve faced or emotions you struggle with?
- What are some values or goals that help guide your life?
- How can art or creative expression help you make positive choices when faced with difficult situations?
- Have students write a brief statement or draw symbols that represent these answers.
Part 2: Creating the Artwork (25 minutes)
- Students will create a visual art piece that reflects their values, goals, or a personal story of overcoming challenges. This could be in the form of a drawing, painting, collage, or any other medium they prefer.
- Prompt: “Create a piece of art that shows who you are and what guides your decisions. Consider the positive things that help you stay focused and make good choices, such as your family, friends, hobbies, dreams, or community.”
- For students who prefer a guided activity, you could provide a template that asks them to design a “Vision Board” or create a collage of images representing their goals and values.
- Encourage students to be creative, using vibrant colors, meaningful symbols, or images that reflect their aspirations and strengths.
3. Group Sharing and Reflection (20 minutes)
- Once the students have completed their art, ask them to share their work with the group (if they feel comfortable). Encourage them to explain what their artwork represents and how it relates to their goals or how it helps them deal with emotions or challenges.
- Discussion questions:
- “What did you learn about yourself through this activity?”
- “How does expressing your feelings through art help you manage them?”
- “What alternatives to violence or negative behavior can we take away from today’s lesson?”
4. Conflict Resolution and Self-Empowerment Activity (15 minutes)
- Activity: Use a conflict resolution scenario to demonstrate the power of choices. Present a scenario where a person has to choose between a positive action and a negative action. For example, a situation where a person is confronted with bullying or a peer trying to involve them in illegal behavior.
- Have students role-play how they would respond in the scenario using non-violent, positive communication skills. They can incorporate their art pieces into the discussion by referring to what guides them in making positive choices.
- Encourage students to use the art from earlier in the lesson to remind them of their personal values and goals when making tough decisions.
5. Closing and Reflection (5 minutes)
- Summarize the key lesson: Art is a tool for self-expression, emotional management, and building positive life choices.
- Hand out a reflection sheet with the following questions:
- “What is one new thing you learned about yourself today?”
- “What positive choices can you make when faced with stress or conflict?”
- “How can you use art or other creative activities to express your emotions and help others in your life?”
Assesment:
- Formative: Monitor students’ participation during the group discussion, art creation, and reflection activities.
- Summative: Evaluate the completed art projects for personal reflection and alignment with the objectives of the lesson (self-expression, goal setting, and conflict resolution).
Extension Activities:
- Art and Writing: Have students write a short poem or journal entry to accompany their artwork, reflecting on their personal growth or aspirations.
- Community Involvement: Encourage students to create art for a community project, such as a mural, to showcase positive messages and inspire others.