5 Ways to Use Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Art at Home
As a mother, artist, and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when creativity and emotional development meet especially at home.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) isn’t just something taught in classrooms. It’s a life skill and one of the most beautiful, healing ways to nurture it is through art.
Whether you’re parenting toddlers or tweens, here are 5 simple, soul nourishing SEL + art activities to help you strengthen emotional intelligence, deepen connection, and spark imagination from the comfort of home.
1. Feelings Collage: Giving Emotions a Face
What You Need: Old magazines, glue, scissors, paper, markers
Ask your child to create a collage that represents how they feel today. They can cut out faces, colors, or objects that reflect their mood. Then, take time to talk about the images they chose and why.
SEL Benefits: Emotional identification, self expression, communication
Parenting Bonus: Helps reduce meltdowns by validating emotions early
2. Create a “Worry Mask” Then Flip It Into a “Joy Mask”
What You Need: Paper plates or cardstock, crayons, ribbon, glitter, feathers, glue
Inspired by my costume art practice, this two sided mask activity allows kids to express both the emotions they hide and the joy they hope to feel. One side shows their “worries,” while the other side shows their “hopes.”
SEL Benefits: Emotional awareness, empathy, resilience
Parenting Bonus: Sparks powerful conversations in a playful way
3. Draw Your Superpower Self
What You Need: Colored pencils or markers, large drawing paper
Ask your child to imagine they have a superpower that helps people feel better. What would they look like? What costume would they wear? What power would they use to help others?
SEL Benefits: Self esteem, identity development, creative thinking
Parenting Bonus: Great bonding moment that builds pride and purpose
4. Art & Affirmation Jars
What You Need: Jar or box, small slips of paper, stickers, markers
Have your child decorate a jar and fill it with drawings or affirmations. Each day, pull one out together and talk about how it makes them feel. Affirmations can include phrases like “I am brave” or “I can try again.”
SEL Benefits: Positive self-talk, emotional regulation
Parenting Bonus: Establishes a morning or bedtime ritual of connection
5. Feelings Fashion Show (Yes, Really!)
What You Need: Old clothes, scarves, hats, safe costume pieces
Let your child dress up in different “emotion outfits” happy, shy, excited, nervous and walk a mini runway. You both act out how that emotion feels. Inspired by my own costume therapy workshops, this one’s a hit!
SEL Benefits: Emotion recognition, play therapy, confidence
Parenting Bonus: Builds trust through shared play (and lots of giggles)
Art Makes SEL Fun, Safe, and Powerful
Art isn’t just about drawing, it’s about feeling. About making space for children to process big emotions in a way that feels safe, supported, and even magical. As a mom and the founder of Art As Amor, I’ve seen how transformative these little moments of creativity can be.
Let’s raise emotionally intelligent kids one brushstroke at a time.
With amor,
Andria Jimenez
