One of the strategies I did not include in the Calming Cards I wrote about HERE was coloring, mainly because in PE it isn't one of our usual go-to's.
However, there are times when coloring is exactly what a student (or adult!) needs, and that's when these Calming Coloring Sheets are the solution. I always have a few of these sheets around if a student asks or I know it would be an appropriate option.
These are complex line art drawings, with lots of room for detail work. Or, students may opt to do broad strokes and/or not stay within the lines at all... it's not about the look, but the way it helps them feel.
If coloring can help them calm down, regulate their system, and find a quiet moment, it has done its job.
I have students choose from a small list of art supplies, but the possibilities for these are endless. Colored pencils and thin markers are the typical media, but highlighters and glitter gel pens are popular alternatives.
Amazon also has these inexpensive felt tip pens that I love for planning and have the tip small enough to get into the nooks and crannies.
Checking In
As students color, or as you work your way through these designs, check in and see how it is making them and you feel.
You can name an emotion or use my Emoji Emotions Chart. Note how emotions may have changed from before, to during, to after.
These can be used in whole-group settings, as early-finisher activities, during a free time or indoor recess day... whenever!
What's neat is that some students may start making their own, so you can make copies of theirs to add to your class collection.
Always keeping a few around that are easy for students to access can give them a chance to grab these whenever they feel they could use one.
Free Line Art Designs for K-5+
I have these Calming Coloring Sheets available as a freebie in my TpT Store. There are eight unique line art designs and can be used in a wide variety of grade levels.
All designs have the reflection emojis on the bottom corner asking how coloring made them feel. There are four emojis with no definitions, but that resemble happy, good, so-so, and sad.
Remember to include a conversation about these emojis, emotions and feelings as well as refraining from judgement about how the child filled in the design, if they did at all. Focus on the feeling, not the final product.
Pick these up for free HERE and start using them today!
Stay well,
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