Introducing Grounding with the Five Senses: Teen Edition
If life feels extra loud for the teen in your world—school, sports, friends, constant notifications—grounding can help bring attention back to the present. After releasing the adult edition, we heard from counselors, parents, and teens who wanted the same simple approach in a teen voice. So we built it.
Grounding with the Five Senses — Teen Edition blends mindful coloring with short reflection prompts and optional music playlists. Every page is designed to be easy to start, easy to finish, and—most importantly—easy to use when stress spikes.
Why a teen edition?
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Short, doable prompts. One or two sentences guide attention without feeling like homework.
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Teen-centered scenes. Study nooks, skate parks, sneaker walls, concert crowds, cozy corners—familiar places that invite calm.
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Built-in journaling strips. Quick reflection lines help capture “what steadies me” before it slips away.
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Music-supported options. QR links (optional) point to calm-focus playlists that pair well with coloring.
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Single-sided pages. Less bleed-through; use markers or pencils without stress.
What’s inside
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45 calming scenes organized by the five senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch
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Reflection prompts on every art page
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Therapist-friendly pacing and consistent layouts for individual or group use
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8.5” × 8.5” single-sided pages (tear-out friendly if needed)
Quick grounding steps teens can try today
No book required—just a minute.
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5–4–3–2–1 Scan
Notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste (or a favorite flavor memory). Slow your breathing while you list them. -
Color + Breathe (60 seconds)
Pick one shape or area on a page. Inhale as you trace the outline with your finger; exhale as you lightly color it in. Repeat 4–6 times. -
Sound Anchor
Play an instrumental track at low volume. Imagine the sound coming from one spot in the room. Each time your mind wanders, gently return to that sound. -
Temperature + Texture Reset
Hold a cool water bottle, rub a soft hoodie cuff, or roll a smooth stone in your palm for 30–45 seconds. Describe the sensation in three words.
How the book helps
The teen edition turns the steps above into guided pages. Each section opens with a short “Try this” and a matching coloring scene that spotlights a single sense, followed by a few lines to jot what worked. Over time, teens build a personal “menu” of sensory anchors they can use before tests, after tough practices, or when emotions spike.
Who it’s for
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Teens who color to unwind and refocus
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Counselors and school clinicians integrating art-based grounding in session
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Parents seeking a practical, evidence-informed tool that doesn’t feel clinical
Meet the creators
Daniel B. Tague, PhD, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with 15+ years of clinical practice, university teaching, and publications on music, mindfulness, and health.
Anne-Marie White, LPC, LCDC is a licensed counselor who supports teens and families using trauma-informed, mindfulness-based care. Together we designed pages teens will actually use—calm, creative, and doable.
Where to get it
Grounding with the Five Senses — Teen Edition is available now on Amazon.
👉 Buy the Teen Edition on Amazon
Want the original for adults? It pairs well with the teen book for families or groups.
👉 See the Adult Edition
FAQs
Is this therapy?
No. It’s a self-guided resource for grounding and reflection. It can complement work with a counselor.
Markers or pencils?
Either. Pages are single-sided to minimize bleed-through.
Do I have to use the playlists?
No—totally optional. The QR codes simply point to calm, instrumental options many teens enjoy.
Want to try a page first? Grab a printable sampler (one scene + reflection strip).
👉 Download the sampler PDF
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