Above: From: Diving Beneath Behaviors | Lori Desautels | TEDxBrown County Schools Neuroscience and Education
Trenton Board of Education
October 7, 202
Professional Development Day: Teachers K-12
Art for Emotional Balance
Triada Samaras with Young Audiences of New Jersey/Eastern PA
Art for Emotional Balance | Young Audiences NJ & Eastern PA
"Using Visual Arts Practices to Support Emotional Equilibrium in the Classroom: In this interactive workshop, educators will explore simple yet powerful visual arts practices that support emotional regulation and student well-being. Techniques such as mindful doodling, slow drawing, neurographic art, and color exploration help students manage stress, improve focus, and engage more deeply in learning. As Dr. Lori Desautels, a leader in brain-based education, explains, “When students are regulated, they learn better,” and these practices offer practical strategies for achieving just that."
What is emotional regulation?
"At its core, emotional regulation is about recognizing how you feel, understanding why you feel that way, and choosing what to do next. It includes the ability to pause before reacting, to soothe yourself after a difficult moment, and to keep going even when something feels hard."
Why is Emotional Regulation important for teaching and learning?
Using Anchors for Emotional Regulation Dr. Lori Desautels
Connection to: SEL Standards in New Jersey: Teacher's Guide | Speechscape
Key Components of SEL Standards: Self Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making
What does emotional regulation look like in the classroom?
Taking deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed or upset
Naming emotions instead of lashing out
Choosing a calming art activity when they feel dysregulated e.g. mindful doodling, slow drawing, etc.
Asking for help instead of withdrawing
Workshop
Breathwork
Emotional Regulation Chart and Feelings Wheel: Self Research
Mindful Doodling (Squiggling) Free Walk, Spiral, Waves, Invent an Image,
Neurographic Art
Closure: Back to Emotional Regulation Chart
More Resources:
Art/Relaxation/Breathwork:
Art for Emotional Learning
Target Audience: K-12 Teachers Aligned Standards: New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Visual and Performing Arts and New Jersey and New Jersey Social and Emotional Learning Standards/SEL 1-5
Triada Samaras, an accomplished arts educator and visual artist, will demonstrate methods that teachers can easily integrate into any grade or subject area. These techniques align with New Jersey’s Social and Emotional Learning Standards and can be implemented with minimal time and resources, helping teachers create a balanced, supportive classroom environment where all students can thrive.
Above: Neurographic Art by Triada Samaras 2025
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