The App
The App: Helping Kids Find Calm Through Art and Rhythm
Artful SEL™ is a research-backed emotional regulation app designed for children ages 5+
Our calming pathway helps kids recognize emotions and return to a focused state using:
-Rhythmic art activities
-Guided breathing
-Positive affirmations
-SEL Stories
Created by educators and inspired by neuroscience, the app blends art, creativity, and connection to gently support emotional development. The app is available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store and works on a variety of phones and tablets.
Why It Works
Artful SEL is grounded in the research based on the Neurosequential Brain Model developed by Dr. Bruce Perry and the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges. This approach helps regulate the brain through:
-Repetition –art activities based on repeating patterns
-Rhythm – calming beats that help regulate the nervous system
-Reward – meaningful incentives that keep children engaged
This “bottom-up” strategy supports the emotional brain first—helping kids feel calm and connected before solving problems or talking things through.
Key Features
Pixel Pics & Rhythmic Reveal
Children tap to a calming beat to unlock soothing art images.
Dance, Panda, Dance
Kids stay on beat to animate their panda in themed dance routines, with engaging themes such as cowboy, robot, or hip hop.
Breathing Prompts
Animated guides walk children through calming breath techniques like box breathing. Teaching them skills to use when the app is or is not available.
SEL Social Stories
Age appropriate narrated stories to help learn successful routines and learn SEL skills.
Panda Paws & Rewards
As kids complete activities, they earn outfits, pets, and backgrounds to customize their panda companion. These are updated regularly.
Designed for Families
Artful SEL offers effective, kid-friendly tools to support emotional growth. It’s ideal for:
-Morning routines
-Calming down after emotional moments
-Creating calming corners at home
-Supporting independent regulation practice
Help your child become centered—through rhythm, art, and gentle encouragement.
Artful SEL uses color as a visual aid for emotional awareness and regulation. It is an independent program and is not affiliated with any specific SEL curriculum.