Art Journaling for Anxious Tweens

Completed by 3 learners

Ages 8-12

Live One-Time Class

In this one time class tweens make an expressive art journal page using journaling, painting, collage and lettering.

Anna Redish

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(70 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

3-6 learners per class

75 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

1 hrs 15 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Art journaling is a creative and expressive way to sort through your thoughts and feelings and a valuable tool for your self-care toolbox. 
Using writing, painting and collage tweens will learn how art journaling can help them label and address their feelings. Art journals are a safe place to put your feelings, where you can safely express yourself without the pressure of having to share until you are ready. This is a no-rules, can't do it wrong art class where all levels of art experience are welcome.

In this one time class learners will journal, then paint over what they write, and then do a collage on top of that. Sharing is not required, and journalers are welcome to turn off their cameras after verification.

Perfectionism, fear of making a mistake, self-criticism and judgement are just a few of the things tweens are facing that can impact their mental health. This class is a safe space to try, explore, allow, let down your guard, and practice being gentle with yourself. One of the most helpful exercises we do at art journaling is write, and then cover up what we wrote so no one can ever read it if we don't want them to. This part alone-giving people a safe place to express themselves in a way that can never be judged is so freeing and empowering. 

This one time class is an introduction to an ongoing art journaling group for tweens starting in August.

Learning Goals

Students will learn a fun journaling technique, mixing primary colours, collage tips and composition guidelines, and time allowing we will discuss lettering.

The goal of this class is to provide teens with the skills to incorporate art journaling as a coping support in their mental health

What teens will get out of it:
a safe way of expressing themselves
find out that it's okay to have fun and make art
a new tool for their mental health toolbox

Other Details

Supply List

In a nutshell, you need something to journal on (paper), something to journal with (pens), images (magazines or junk mail), and glue (or tape). For this one time class whatever you have at home already is likely fine.
 But here is the official supply list

Supply list:
Journal-I recommend 140 lbs watercolour paper-can be any size-the journals I use are 7.5” X 7.5” but use whatever is your preference-Canson makes pads of the 140 lbs paper in a variety of sizes that work well.
Acrylic paint: 4oz/120 ML tube (or around that) black, white and primary colours (red, yellow, blue) 
Markers-black, white and assorted colours 
Matte medium-I recommend Golden brand-8 oz jar or smaller or glue/glue stick is fine
Images-National Geographic is my current favourite, but any magazine you like is fine 
Paint brushes-assorted sizes-dollar store is fine 
Scissors  
Paper paraphernalia: could be anything...ticket stubs, ripped pages from a book, library card pocket etc 
All and any of your favourite art supply that you have-right now I'm a bit obsessed with some paint sticks I got as a gift. If you have a favourite, or have been wanting to experiment, now's the time.
Paper towel-for wiping brushes 
Cup of water for rinsing brushes

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Anna Redish

Joined February, 2021

5.0

70reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hi, I'm Anna and I have seen the power of art journaling both in my own life and the lives of many others. I have been teaching art journaling on line since April 2020, but taught it in person for many years. I understand the challenges of supporting an anxious child, I had two of them myself. Also, I have trained as an artist-educator with the Royal Conservatory; I was a parent educator, supporting parents with children's mental health issues; and have worked as a peer-support worker. Art journaling, a safe and private place to express yourself, is a wonderful tool for anxiety and can be there for you your whole life.