Coloring for Calm: Helping Students Express “Inside Out” Emotions
Help me give my students calming coloring materials—including crayons, markers, colored pencils, and coloring books—to support their emotional well-being and creativity.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Carolyn's classroom raised $520
This project is fully funded
My Project
As the school counselor, I support students across all grade levels with everything from learning how to make friends to navigating big emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, and joy.
One of the most effective tools I use to help students express themselves is through coloring and creative expression—especially when it connects to characters and themes they already love and relate to, like those from Inside Out.
This beloved film has helped students better understand and name their emotions, making it a powerful springboard for our work. But we’re running low on the very materials that make these reflective and calming activities possible.
When students color, they’re not just making art—they’re learning how to:
-Identify and express emotions in a safe, healthy way (just like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear!)
-Regulate feelings and reduce stress through calming, mindful activities
-Reflect on their inner world, even when words are hard to find
-Build confidence and creativity, no matter their background or language
For many of my students—especially English language learners and those managing social-emotional challenges—coloring gives them a voice and helps them connect with others. Inside Out helps frame these experiences with characters and language they understand, making our conversations about feelings even more powerful.
These materials will be used in my office, during small SEL groups, and during structured lunch activities—reaching hundreds of students throughout the school year.
Your donation will bring color, calm, and connection into the lives of students who need it most. You’ll be giving them tools to better understand and express their feelings—just like the characters from Inside Out—and helping them build emotional strength that lasts a lifetime.
Thank you for supporting our students' mental wellness and creativity through art. Your kindness will make a lasting impact in their hearts and minds.
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers (12 Boxes), Bulk Markers for Kids, Broad Line, 10 Colors, Teacher Classroom Must Have
• Amazon Business
$40.76
1
$40.76
Crayola Jumbo Crayons Bulk, 6 Sets of 16 Large Crayons for Toddlers & Kids, School Supplies, Gifts [Amazon Exclusive]
• Amazon Business
$39.55
1
$39.55
Crayola Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, Set of 50
• School Specialty
$12.22
3
$36.66
Crayola Crayons 24 Count with Clear Super Stacker Plastic Crayon Box (Bundle)
• Amazon Business
$7.16
5
$35.80
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip Marker, Assorted Colors, 22 Count
• Amazon Business
$16.87
2
$33.74
Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct), Fine Point Washable Markers, Drawing Markers for Kids & Adults, Great for Thick & Thin Lines
• Amazon Business
$15.97
2
$31.94
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencil Set (50ct), No Sharpen Colored Pencils For Kids Coloring Books, Drawing & Sketching Supplies, Travel Essential, 4+
• Amazon Business
$14.15
2
$28.30
Crayola Fine Line Markers for Adults (40ct), Skinny Marker Set for Adult Coloring Books, Aesthetic Art Supplies, Stress Relief Activity, Coloring Supplies
• Amazon Business
$13.74
2
$27.48
Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons for Kids (50ct), Arts & Crafts Supplies, Toddler Crayons for Coloring Books, Kids Easter Basket Essentials & Stuffers
• Amazon Business
$13.39
2
$26.78
Crayola Crayons - Set of 24
• Blick Art Materials
$1.94
12
$23.28
Crayola Take Note Dry Erase Markers for School (12ct) Chisel Tip Whiteboard Markers, Teacher Classroom Must Haves, Back to School Essentials, Low Odor
• Amazon Business
$11.48
1
$11.48
Coloring Book and Reflections for Social Emotional Learning
• Amazon Business
$10.67
1
$10.67
Mindful Mandalas Coloring Book for Kids: Fun and Relaxing Designs, Mindfulness for Kids (Coloring Books for Kids)
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Kids
• Amazon Business
$6.24
1
$6.24
Materials cost
$359.67
Vendor shipping charges
$13.62
Sales tax
$32.91
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.40
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$441.60
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$77.93
Total project goal
$519.53
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$519.53
5 Donors
-$495.71
Donations toward project cost
-$426.30
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$69.41
Matching donations from our partners
-$18.00
Match offers toward project cost
-$15.30
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Carolyn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
