Express yourself through art using circles as they encompass the page to depict the love and nurture that surrounds you
What you’ll need: Paper and coloured pens
What’s it for?
This activity focuses on positive relationships with the people in our lives and the notion that love is in fact 'all around us'. In producing your own circle of love, this can help to identify and recognise the key relationship circles in your life which have come together as the centrepiece of this work of art
Check In:
Notice how you’re feeling right now. Close your eyes and notice what’s going on inside your mind and body.
How are you feeling?
What are you thinking?
How does your body feel?
Method:
Using a large piece of paper put a heart in the centre of the page and put your name in the heart with colourful letters
Now cover the page with different sized circles leaving enough space to write inside them
It is fine if some of the circles cross over each other
In the song 'The Circle of Love' the concept of having a circle of those you care about and who support and nurture each other is explored in the following lyrics:
The circle of love grows wider and wider
The circle of love is you and me
The circle of love is growing stronger
The circle of love is free
Imagine and take a moment to think about the important people in your life to prepare your circle of love art piece
Focus on the people who have enabled the circle of love to become wider and to grow stronger
In each circle write down a name of someone who came to mind and include a key word that has brought them into your circle of love which could include:
Kindness, Understanding, Acceptance, Support, Love, Nurture, Care, Guidance, Fun, Enjoyment, Happiness, Inspiration, Patience, Trust, Reassurance, Response
Repeat this until you have included all your important people in your artwork
It is fine to leave some circles blank or to add further circles if you run out and need more
Now spend some time colouring the circles whilst reflecting on each name represented in them
Have you noticed any circles overlapping and if so then link these together with people from the same family or the same friendship group
If you want to connect any particular circles together then you can do this with a line and arrows to create a flowchart effect
Decorate the page as much as you would like and then present this to someone in your household and/or put it in a prominent place to refer to each day to express thanks and gratitude for your circle of love
Extra Activity: How about making up a song using your own lyrics about your circle of love and share this with your household.
When you’ve finished, spend a moment reflecting on the activity and ask yourself the following questions:
Did it surprise you how large or small your circle of love actually is?
How did it feel to reflect on your important people?
Has this activity prompted some fond memories and moments spent with your important people?
How does it make you feel to know how much love, care and support is around you?
Conclusion:
This activity brings to light the importance of being aware of the love and support that is around us to build our resilience to prepare for unexpected events or situations in our lives. Rather than feeling isolated and alone, this highlights your circle of love who you can reach towards!
Take a moment to notice how you are feeling at the end of this activity. Did you discover anything surprising? What can you take away to make you feel better about yourself from this activity?
If you would like to, share something about your experience with this activity with someone you live with! Ask the person who looks after you to send us an email if you have any questions or comments about the activity, or would like to send us any pictures (info@catcorner.co.uk). Don't forget to subscribe for more fun CAT activities!
Created by Sarah Kong © March 2021
Creative Arts Used: Art
Psychological Areas Explored: Relationships, Resilience and Self-Esteem
If you enjoyed this activity, you might also like: Loving Letter: Boost your own wellbeing and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a gratitude letter.
These activities could be done by children of all ages, but some may need the support of their parent or carer to read the instructions or complete the activity safely. This website was made by CAT Corner to help you explore your feelings through fun creative arts activities. The people using the website and the people responsible for them need to make sure they stay safe (full disclaimer on About page).