Using Art for Mindfulness and Wellbeing in the Classroom
Art isn’t just for sketching, painting or studying famous artists. It can also be a powerful tool for mindfulness in the classroom, helping children slow down, notice details and explore their emotions in creative ways.
Over the weekend on a family trip, I came across several striking paintings that made me stop and think: how can we use art to support mindfulness and wellbeing in schools? The good news is you don’t need to be an art expert to try this. All you need is a willingness to pause, look and wonder together with your pupils!
Here are some simple, ready-to-use mindfulness activities for teachers that bring art and wellbeing together.
1. What Story Does the Painting Tell?
Invite children to use their imagination:
What’s happening here?
What might have happened before this moment?
What could happen next?
This encourages creativity and empathy, while also giving children a safe way to explore feelings and possibilities.
2. Exploring Body Language in Art
Many artworks are full of dramatic movement and expression. Ask pupils to notice the body language:
How do you think this person is feeling?
What clues show you that?
Can you use your own body to show happiness, sadness or excitement?
This activity helps children make the link between emotions and physical expression, which is a key part of emotional literacy.
3. Big Feelings on Canvas
Sometimes emotions feel too big to put into words. Using art gives children some distance, making it easier to talk about.
Prompt with a question like:
If this painting could speak, what one sentence would it say?
This can open the door to gentle discussions about big feelings in the classroom and how we experience them.
4. Mindful Looking: Noticing Colours, Shapes and Textures
Mindfulness is about being present and paintings are perfect for practising this. Give children a few minutes to look closely and notice:
colours and shades
textures in fabric, skin or sky
shapes, lines and movement
Encourage them to spot something they didn’t notice at first glance. This builds focus, calm and appreciation for the present moment.
5. Creative Extensions Across the Curriculum
Art-inspired mindfulness can easily connect with different subjects:
Writing – a diary entry from the character’s perspective
Drama – freeze-frame poses or acting out the scene
Art – sketching a favourite detail
PSHE/Circle Time – discussing how the painting makes them feel
These cross-curricular links make art a great entry point for wellbeing activities in schools.
Why Use Art for Mindfulness in Schools?
Using art for mindfulness isn’t about adding extra workload or ticking off objectives. It’s about giving children space to:
slow down
notice and reflect
explore emotions safely
connect with themselves and others
Art invites curiosity, calm and compassion — and it shows children that feelings (even the big, messy ones) are part of being human.
Next time you come across a painting or picture, pause with your class and ask: What story does this tell? You might be surprised at how much it reveals about the art (and about your pupils.)
