Art with Coach T | Projects to Help Kids Build Resilience, Self-discipline, and Creative Problem Solving Skills

Make Art. Build Resilience.

Welcome to Art with Coach T — I help children learn to problem solve, manage difficulty, and overcome perfectionism through creative challenges.

My projects are designed to help kids work through the frustration of growth, not around it, in a super low-risk way.

Art is the tool. Growth mindset is the goal.

We don’t know what the future holds. But we DO know that to be successful, children will need self-discipline and creative problem solving skills.

Why not build those healthy life habits with a little bit of art making?

Teachers, start here:
Browse Lesson Plans for the Classroom

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"Tie-Dye" Peace Sign Lesson Plan

$9.00

Ready to get your students super excited for art class?

I guarantee high engagement as soon as you say the words, “tie-dye.”

From line review and patterns, to symbolism and printing, this lesson hits every element and technique necessary to hook your students, hold focus, and prime fine motor skills for subsequent projects.

What’s included:

Learning Objectives
National Standards
Materials List
Whiteboard Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
Birds-eye view Demonstration Video
Detailed Instructional Notes
Printable Resources

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Cityscape Prints Lesson Plan

$9.00

This multi-media project features drawing, painting, and printing, and is an excellent opportunity to review knowledge of symmetry, lines and shapes, and explore the magic of printing!

What’s included:

Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
Instructional Video
Slideshow Presentation
Materials List
Learning Objectives
National Standards
Whiteboard Notes
Handout: Building Lines and Window Idea Sheet

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Glowing Pattern Pumpkins | Elementary Fall Art Lesson Plan

$9.00

Looking for the perfect elementary fall art project that feels seasonal without being too Halloween-themed?

These Glowing Pattern Pumpkins are an instant hit in the classroom!

Students will explore line directions and line types while creating bold patterns, then use crayons and markers to layer color and achieve a magical glowing effect.

Simple to set up, easy to teach, and deeply engaging — this project strengthens craftsmanship, builds patience, and shows kids just how powerful basic materials can be.

Seasonal, skill-building, and absolutely GLOW-rious (yes, I went there) — this is a project you’ll want to bring back year after year.

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Yayoi Kusama Pumpkins Lesson Short | Mini Art Lesson for Kids

$3.00

This is an easy fall project inspired by the artist, Yayoi Kusama, and it is PACKED with elements and principles for young artists to learn and practice.

The project begins with a tracer to create a pumpkin contour, then students build color blending skills using oil pastels. The project is finished with sponge dots and cotton swabs dipped in black tempera paint to mimic Kusama’s trademark polka dot patterns.

I have made the physical process of this lesson accessible to a variety of levels, and the artistic elements customizable for you to suit the needs of your students and curriculum goals.

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Families, start here:

If your child gets frustrated quickly or tends to give up…
Hey perfectionist friends! I’m in this club too!

→ Start with this Stained Glass Window Painting
It’s a simple, confidence-building project with clear steps and a quick win.
Plus the tape peeling is VERY satisfying.

If your child rushes through things or skips details…
Love you my speedy McGees but SLOW down!

→ Try this Line Landscape
This project is a slower, more focused project that helps kids stay with the process and practice patience. Lots of simple lines, can make something look SUPER complex.

If your child says “I’m bored” easily…
Bored?! Okay, time to color, rip, glue, and spatter—ALL the things!

→ Make this Abstract Art Collage
This is a project with lots of different materials and creative decision-making that keeps the process exciting. AND there are three different ways to spatter paint. Who’s bored now?!

If you want a meaningful activity you can create together…
From one parent to another — sit and create with your kids. Model beginner bravery. They won’t forget it.
- → Create a Tie dye Peace Sign Print
  Make it an at-home art night—get snacks, invite friends, play music, and enjoy this REALLY easy printing project! Your kids are going to want to make ten prints.

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Testimonials

What parents are saying…

“[Coach T] teaches mindfulness, strength, and positivity in a natural, casual way that kids absorb and take with them.” - DJ

“Her creativity and upbeat approach allows elementary school age kids to make art and believe in a growth mindset.” - JR

“I have met few people with her energetic demeanor, passion for art, commitment to “perfection” and honoring her students’ work.” - HB

“Coach T leads by example, she marches to her own beat, and encourages students to do the same. To be kind and fierce and unique while remembering to love those same qualities in others.” - JC

About Me

Hi, I’m Caitlyn—my students call me Coach T.

For the past decade in the art room, I have built an art program that allows children to practice personal accountability, responsible decision making, and healthy frustration management.

My philosophy centers around growth mindset and resilience. And I believe children need low-risk opportunities to practice being uncomfortable.

Yes, you read that right. Children need to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

And now that I have moved beyond the art room, I am building a library of guided art projects so you (parents!) can create alongside your child and build connection while they build real-life skills.

If you’re curious, pick a project and make something together.