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Balance Beam: Nurturing Whole-Self Wellbeing

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Lesson Plan

Balance Beam: Nurturing Whole-Self Wellbeing

Students will explore physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, assess their current balance, and create a personalized plan to nurture their whole self.

Understanding and proactively managing different aspects of well-being helps students build resilience, prevent burnout, and foster a healthier, happier life.

Audience

5th-8th Grade Students

Time

60-75 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, self-assessment, and guided planning.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Balance Beam Slide Deck, Markers or pens, Well-being Self-Assessment Worksheet, My Balance Plan Activity, and Reflection Journal Prompt

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Whole-Self Wellbeing?

10 minutes

  • Begin by displaying the title slide of the Balance Beam Slide Deck.
    * Ask students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'well-being'?" (Allow for a few student responses).
    * Introduce the concept of 'whole-self well-being' – explaining that it's about taking care of all parts of ourselves: physical, mental, emotional, and social.
    * Use the first few slides of the Balance Beam Slide Deck to guide this discussion, defining each aspect with examples relevant to students' lives.

Step 2

Well-being Self-Assessment

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Well-being Self-Assessment Worksheet.
    * Explain that this is a personal reflection, not a test, and there are no right or wrong answers.
    * Guide students through the worksheet using the corresponding slides in the Balance Beam Slide Deck.
    * Encourage honest self-reflection on each aspect of their well-being. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Step 3

Designing Your Balance Plan

20 minutes

  • After the self-assessment, introduce the idea of creating a personal 'balance plan.'
    * Distribute the My Balance Plan Activity.
    * Using the Balance Beam Slide Deck for guidance, ask students to choose one area from their self-assessment where they'd like to improve.
    * Guide them to brainstorm specific, actionable strategies for that area. Emphasize that small steps can make a big difference.
    * Provide examples of strategies for each well-being aspect.
    * Allow students time to work on their plans, offering individual assistance as needed.

Step 4

Share & Discuss

10 minutes

  • Invite students to share one idea from their My Balance Plan Activity with a partner or in small groups (optional: whole class share if time permits and students are comfortable).
    * Facilitate a brief discussion: "What was challenging about creating your plan? What was easy? How do you think this plan will help you?"
    * Reinforce that well-being is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Step 5

Conclusion & Reflection

5-10 minutes

  • Summarize the key takeaways using the final slide of the Balance Beam Slide Deck.
    * Assign the Reflection Journal Prompt for homework or as an in-class cool-down activity.
    * Encourage students to regularly check in with their balance plan and adjust as needed.
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Slide Deck

Balance Beam: Nurturing Whole-Self Wellbeing

Finding Your Inner Harmony 🧘🏽‍♀️💡🤝💪🏽

Today, we're going to explore what it means to be truly well, inside and out!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's title. Ask a general question: "What comes to mind when you hear 'well-being'?" Allow for a few brief responses to gauge initial understanding.

What is Whole-Self Wellbeing?

It's about taking care of all parts of you, not just one!

Think of it like a balance beam: you need to keep all sides supported to stay steady.

Explain that well-being isn't just about avoiding sickness, but actively taking care of all aspects of oneself. Use the analogy of a balance beam – if one part is neglected, the whole system can feel off.

Physical Well-being: Your Body Matters!

💪🏽 How you take care of your body:

  • Eating nutritious foods: Fueling your body like a superhero!
  • Getting enough sleep: Recharge your batteries!
  • Staying active: Moving your body makes it strong!
  • Hydrating: Water is your body's best friend!

Introduce Physical Well-being. Provide examples relevant to students: eating healthy snacks, playing outside, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated. Ask: "What's one thing you do for your physical well-being?"

Mental Well-being: Your Brain Power!

💡 How you keep your mind sharp and happy:

  • Learning new things: Keeping your brain active and curious!
  • Solving problems: Tackling challenges helps you grow!
  • Mindfulness/Focus: Paying attention to the present moment.
  • Positive thinking: Training your brain to look for the good!

Introduce Mental Well-being. Emphasize learning, problem-solving, and managing thoughts. Examples: reading, doing puzzles, learning a new skill, thinking positively. Ask: "What helps your brain feel good?"

Emotional Well-being: Your Feelings Count!

❤️ How you understand and express your feelings:

  • Recognizing emotions: Knowing what you feel (happy, sad, frustrated, excited).
  • Expressing feelings safely: Talking to someone, drawing, writing.
  • Coping with stress: Finding healthy ways to relax and calm down.
  • Self-compassion: Being kind to yourself, even when you make mistakes.

Introduce Emotional Well-being. Discuss recognizing and managing feelings, expressing emotions healthily. Examples: talking to a trusted adult, journaling, deep breathing when stressed, celebrating successes. Ask: "How do you handle your feelings when they're big?"

Social Well-being: Your Connections!

🤝 How you connect with others:

  • Building healthy relationships: Friends, family, teachers.
  • Communicating effectively: Listening and sharing your thoughts.
  • Teamwork: Working together towards a common goal.
  • Helping others: Being kind and supportive to your community.

Introduce Social Well-being. Focus on connections with others. Examples: spending time with friends/family, helping others, being a good listener, resolving conflicts. Ask: "What makes you feel connected to others?"

Time for Self-Assessment!

Let's check in with ourselves.

Take a moment to honestly reflect on each area of your well-being.

This is for YOU, not a test!

Transition to the self-assessment. Explain that this is a personal reflection tool. Distribute the "Well-being Self-Assessment Worksheet." Read the instructions aloud and answer any clarifying questions. Emphasize honesty and no right/wrong answers.

Building Your Balance Plan

Now that you've reflected, let's create a plan to strengthen your well-being!

  1. Choose ONE area where you'd like to improve.
  2. Brainstorm specific, actionable steps you can take.
  3. Think about who or what can support you.

After students complete the self-assessment, explain that they will now create a plan based on their reflections. Distribute the "My Balance Plan Activity." Guide them to pick one area to focus on first.

Balance Plan Ideas

Need some inspiration?

  • Physical: Drink an extra glass of water, walk outside for 15 minutes.
  • Mental: Read a chapter of a book, learn a new word.
  • Emotional: Practice deep breathing, talk to a trusted adult.
  • Social: Call a friend, offer to help a family member.

Provide concrete examples for each well-being category to help students brainstorm. Encourage them to think small and achievable.

Share Your Plan!

Let's hear some of your amazing ideas!

  • What's one small step you're excited to try?
  • How might this plan make a difference in your day?

Facilitate partner or small group sharing. Ask guiding questions: "What was challenging? What was easy? How might this plan help you?" Keep the sharing positive and supportive.

Keep Your Balance Strong!

🌟 Whole-self well-being is an ongoing journey.

  • Regularly check in with yourself.
  • Adjust your plan as you grow and change.
  • You've got this!

Conclude the lesson by reiterating the importance of holistic well-being. Assign the journal prompt as a follow-up. Encourage students to keep their plans visible and review them regularly.

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Activity

My Balance Plan: Nurturing My Whole Self

Goal: Choose one area of your well-being to focus on and create a plan to strengthen it!

Step 1: Choose Your Focus Area

Based on your Well-being Self-Assessment Worksheet, which area do you want to work on first? (Circle one)

Physical Well-being       Mental Well-being       Emotional Well-being       Social Well-being

Step 2: My Actionable Steps

What are 2-3 specific, small steps you can take to improve your chosen area? Make them realistic and achievable!

Action Step 1:





Action Step 2:





Action Step 3 (Optional):





Step 3: My Support System

Who or what can help you with your plan? (e.g., a family member, a friend, a teacher, a book, a favorite activity)







Step 4: My Why

Why is it important to you to focus on this area of your well-being?












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Journal

Reflection Journal: My Whole-Self Wellbeing Journey

Take some time to reflect on what we discussed today about taking care of your whole self. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest thoughts.

Prompt 1: My Personal Aha! Moment

What was one new thing you learned or realized about your own well-being today? This could be about physical, mental, emotional, or social health. Why was this realization important to you?











Prompt 2: The Power of Balance

How do you think keeping your "balance beam" steady – by paying attention to all parts of your well-being – can help you in your daily life? Think about school, your friendships, and your family life.











Prompt 3: Advice to a Younger You

If you could give one piece of advice to a younger student about taking care of their whole self, what would it be? Explain why you think this advice is important.











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Worksheet

My Well-being Self-Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below and circle the number that best describes you right now. Be honest with yourself – this is for your own understanding, not a test!

Scale:
1 = Almost Never
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Almost Always

A. Physical Well-being (Taking care of my body)

  1. I eat fruits and vegetables every day.
    1       2       3       4

  2. I get enough sleep at night (around 8-10 hours).
    1       2       3       4

  3. I am active for at least 30-60 minutes most days.
    1       2       3       4

  4. I drink enough water throughout the day.
    1       2       3       4

B. Mental Well-being (Keeping my mind active and healthy)

  1. I enjoy learning new things at school or on my own.
    1       2       3       4

  2. I feel good about solving problems or challenges.
    1       2       3       4

  3. I can focus on tasks without too many distractions.
    1       2       3       4

  4. I try to think positively, even when things are tough.
    1       2       3       4

C. Emotional Well-being (Understanding and expressing my feelings)

  1. I can usually tell what emotions I am feeling.
    1       2       3       4

  2. I have healthy ways to express my feelings (e.g., talking, drawing, writing).
    1       2       3       4

  3. I can calm myself down when I feel stressed or upset.
    1       2       3       4

  4. I am kind to myself, even when I make mistakes.
    1       2       3       4

D. Social Well-being (Connecting with others)

  1. I have people I trust and can talk to (friends, family, teachers).
    1       2       3       4

  2. I feel connected to my friends and family.
    1       2       3       4

  3. I can communicate my thoughts and feelings clearly to others.
    1       2       3       4

  4. I enjoy helping others and being part of a group.
    1       2       3       4

My Overall Balance Reflection:

Looking at your circled numbers, which area of your well-being feels strongest right now? Which area might need a little more attention?











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