One of my favorite things about creating unique art projects is seeing how students make them their own (my students and yours). My Roots Flower Project is very special to me because it invites students to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped them—while also creating something beautiful for the classroom.
It’s personal. It’s meaningful. And it’s creative. 💛 And yes… it makes a beautiful bulletin board display. 🌼
Last school year I had the opportunity to do this project in two different ways with two different groups of students—and I wanted to share how the from-scratch version unfolded because…WOW. It turned out to be such a thoughtful and creative experience for them (and for me as their teacher!).
This project has extra credit! Check it out!
Elementary School Students: My printable version of this lesson is ideal for elementary-age students or teachers who don’t have time for the “from scratch” version — no shame there, that’s what it’s designed for.
Middle School Students: The extension of my printable version (explained in this post) is ideal for upper elementary or middle school students.
What I loved most about the “from scratch” version was how each student made their flower completely their own. No two flowers looked alike—some were simple and sweet, others bold and detailed—but every single one reflected the unique personality, interests, and style of the artist behind it.
I had a lot of students who went “off-script” and did Minecraft-inspired flowers, robot flowers, and so much more (you’ll see some in my photos). To me, this was great. There is no way I would ever tell a child they can’t go off script when they have a creative idea. My job is always to inspire—what kids come up with is the magic they bring to my lessons and what I live for!
This creative classroom project gave students the freedom to express who they are, not just through their writing about their “roots,” but also through the creative choices they made in their artwork.
It was so special to see how their personalities blossomed on the page. I hope you can enjoy this project with your students as well!
The “Ready-to-Go” Version:
In my ready-to-use classroom “Roots” art project, students choose from one of eight flowers—each with its own symbolism—and colored the flower, then they wrote about their “roots” on the roots below the flower. This version is easy to prep and makes a stunning final classroom display (perfect for back-to-school, Mother’s Day art projects, or springtime reflection).
The “From-Scratch” Version:
I like to always support every level of creativity comfort in the classroom. Not only do I offer you the ready-made resource but I also like to give you an extension to go further anytime I can. I found the extension of this project to be very powerful and so I want to share it with you!
Instead of giving my students the pre-drawn flowers from my resource to color, I used those same flower examples as inspiration, but had them draw their own flowers—looking at my handouts (to get them started).
If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I love a good all about me art project—but I especially loved how this one went a little deeper than the typical back-to-school activity. It asked deeper questions and provoked thoughtful responses.
My Roots Flower Project was inspired by a beautiful art exhibit I saw while visiting Denmark, where roots—literal, tangled, messy roots—were brought out from beneath the ground and celebrated for what they are: the hidden foundation that supports growth.
That idea stuck with me.
And it grew into this project where students explore their own “roots”—the people, places, and experiences that help them “bloom.”
Before any drawing began, students spent time thinking about the people, places, and experiences that have shaped who they are. This brainstorming phase is more than just a list-making exercise—it’s a moment of self-reflection and connection. My “ready-to-go” version includes a handout to guide students through the brainstorming and planning phase.
Encouraging students to pause and reflect before they create helps deepen their engagement and brings more meaning to their final artwork. It also sets the tone for mindfulness and intention, reminding students that creativity doesn’t come out of thin air; it grows from our own experiences.
Why this matters:
Planning and brainstorming teach students to slow down, consider their ideas thoughtfully, and make intentional choices in their creative work. It builds self-awareness, helps organize thoughts, and fosters more authentic, personal expression.
Once students identified their “roots,” they began sketching the structure of their flower—roots below, a strong stem in the center, and a bloom reaching upward. Each part represented something personal. This step helped students turn their abstract ideas into concrete visuals, strengthening both their creative and critical thinking skills.
Using my handout of flowers and their symbolic meanings as inspiration, students designed their own flowers entirely from scratch. Some chose tulips to represent family, while others selected crocuses to symbolize fresh starts. They added roots however they liked—twisting beneath the soil, stretching toward words, or curling into hearts and spirals.
Why this matters:
Sketching models the creative process of drafting and revising. It encourages experimentation, flexibility, and problem-solving, while reinforcing that creativity is a journey—not just a finished product. Through revision, students build resilience and confidence in their ideas.
Out came the colored pencils! As students added color and detail to their flowers, they also reflected through writing—carefully labeling their roots with words, sentences, and phrases that represent the people, places, and experiences that have shaped who they are. Family traditions, teachers, friendships, and even pets often made heartfelt appearances among the roots.
I learned that one of my students was bitten by a rattlesnake when he was little—yikes!
This writing component is at the heart of the project, making it an ideal art integration project! By naming their “roots,” students take time to thoughtfully consider where they’ve come from, what has influenced them, and what grounds them. These words become part of the artwork itself—tangible reminders of the connections and experiences that help them grow.
You could extend this reflection by inviting students to write a few sentences explaining their choices: why they selected certain words, or how these roots help them feel strong, loved, or inspired. This deepens the connection between the visual and the personal, turning a gorgeous art project into a meaningful exercise in self-awareness.
Why this matters:
Reflecting through writing helps students articulate their thoughts and feelings with clarity and purpose. It encourages mindfulness, strengthens connections to their own story, and reinforces the value of pausing to recognize what shapes and supports us.
When it comes to adding color to the Roots Flower Project, you can certainly use crayons or markers—but I highly recommend colored pencils for this activity.
Colored pencils allow for more control, detail, and subtle shading, which helps students take their time and engage more thoughtfully with their work. Because this project is rooted (pun intended!) in reflection, colored pencils naturally encourage a slower, more mindful pace—perfect for giving students space to think as they create.
Markers can sometimes overpower the writing, and crayons can feel too imprecise for the delicate lines and details of roots, petals, and lettering. Colored pencils strike just the right balance between creative expression and intentional craftsmanship.
The final step is my favorite: displaying the finished flowers for everyone to enjoy! Whether arranged together like a classroom garden on a bulletin board or showcased at an event like an art show, this project creates a meaningful visual reminder of the unique individuals who make up your classroom community.
Each flower becomes part of a larger story—one of growth, resilience, and connection. Displaying student work not only celebrates their creativity but also validates the time and thought they put into reflecting on their roots. It’s a beautiful way to build classroom culture and spark conversations about what grounds and inspires us.
Why this matters:
When students see their work valued and displayed, it reinforces a sense of pride, belonging, and community. It shows that their stories—and their creativity—matter.
My Roots Flower Project is so much more than just an art lesson—it’s an opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and recognize the people, places, and experiences that shape who they are.
It’s about creativity, yes, of course, but it is also about connection, gratitude, and growth.
When we give students space to tell their stories through art and writing, we remind them that their lives and voices matter. We help them see that their roots run deep, and those roots give them strength to grow.
Whether you try the from-scratch version or use my ready-to-go resource, I hope this project brings a little extra calm, creativity, and meaning into your classroom.
If you’d like to try this lesson with your class, my Roots Flower Project resource includes everything you need to make it easy and meaningful.
You can use the materials to guide students through the from-scratch version—complete with brainstorming and writing pages and visual aids for inspiration.
Or, if time is short (no shame in that!), you can simply print and go. Both approaches work beautifully—I’ve used them both myself for different reasons and loved each one equally.
Inside my Roots Flower Project, you’ll find:
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