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Behavior Boosters

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Lesson Plan

Day 1: Mindful Moments

Introduce students to a simple, guided mindful breathing practice to help them settle into class, enhance self-regulation, and improve focus.

Starting class with intentional breathing cultivates a calm classroom atmosphere, teaches students a quick stress-management tool, and supports emotional regulation throughout the day.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Brief guided breathing with reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Settle In

2 minutes

  • Invite students to sit comfortably with feet on the floor and hands in their lap
  • Explain that today’s activity will help them focus and feel calm
  • Ensure everyone can see/hear you clearly

Step 2

Introduction to Mindful Breathing

3 minutes

  • Briefly describe how conscious breathing impacts focus and stress levels
  • Show the first page of the Mindful Breathing Guide
  • Demonstrate one slow, deep breath together

Step 3

Guided Breathing Practice

7 minutes

  • Ask students to close their eyes or soften their gaze
  • Play the Calming Chime Audio to signal the start
  • Lead students through inhale (4 counts), hold (2 counts), exhale (6 counts) cycles
  • Sound the chime at the halfway mark (3.5 minutes) and at the end

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

3 minutes

  • Ask students to rate their current calmness on a 1–5 scale
  • Invite a few volunteers to share how they feel after the exercise
  • Encourage them to use this tool whenever they need a moment of calm
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Slide Deck

Mindful Moments – Day 1

Take a moment to breathe, settle in, and focus for the day ahead.

Welcome students and introduce today’s activity. Emphasize that we’ll learn a quick breathing exercise to help everyone start class calm and focused.

Session Objective

• Learn a guided breathing exercise
• Enhance self-regulation and focus
• Cultivate a calm classroom atmosphere

Explain the goal clearly so students understand what they’ll gain.

Script: “Today, we’re learning a simple breathing practice that will help you manage stress and settle into class.”

Why Mindful Breathing?

• Lowers heart rate and stress levels
• Improves concentration and mental clarity
• Provides a tool you can use anytime

Connect the practice to real benefits. Share a quick anecdote if you like.

Script: “Research shows that intentional breathing reduces stress and improves attention.”

Step 1: Settle In

  1. Sit comfortably with feet on the floor
  2. Place your hands gently in your lap
  3. Close your eyes or soften your gaze
  4. Take 2–3 natural breaths

Lead students through the settling routine.

Script: “First, get comfortable. Sit tall, feet flat on the floor, hands resting in your lap.”

Step 2: Guided Breathing

• Inhale for 4 counts
• Hold for 2 counts
• Exhale for 6 counts
• Repeat for 7 minutes using Calming Chime Audio

Use the chime audio to signal start and halfway.

Script: “We’ll breathe together in a 4–2–6 pattern. I’ll play the chime at start, midpoint, and end.”

Step 3: Reflect & Share

• Rate your calmness (1 = tense, 5 = very calm)
• Volunteer to share how you feel
• Discuss: When else could you use this tool?

Invite student sharing and encourage reflection.

Script: “On a scale of 1–5, how calm do you feel now? Who’d like to share a word or two?”

Takeaway

Keep the Mindful Breathing Guide handy and practice daily to boost focus and well-being.

Close by encouraging regular practice.

Script: “Remember, you can use this quick exercise anytime you need a moment of calm—before tests, between classes, or whenever you feel stressed.”

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Worksheet

Mindful Breathing Guide

Step 1: Settle In

  1. Find a comfortable seated position (feet flat on the floor, hands resting in your lap). Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
  2. Take 2–3 natural breaths to arrive in the present moment.

Before we begin the guided practice, reflect on how you feel:

On a scale of 1 (tense) to 5 (very calm), I feel: ______







Describe your current mental or physical state:












Step 2: Guided Breathing Practice

We will breathe in a 4–2–6 pattern:

• Inhale for 4 counts (fill your lungs slowly)
• Hold for 2 counts (pause gently)
• Exhale for 6 counts (release fully)

Play the Calming Chime Audio to guide your timing. Breathe with the chime for 7 minutes.

As you breathe, notice any changes in your body or mind. Jot down any observations below:
















Step 3: Reflection

After completing the practice, take a moment to reflect:

  1. On a scale of 1 (tense) to 5 (very calm), I feel now: ______






  1. What differences do you notice between your pre- and post-practice calmness?












  1. What did you notice about the rhythm of your breath or your thoughts during the exercise?












  1. List two moments today (or this week) when you could use this breathing practice:
    a. ______________________________




    b. ______________________________



Keep this guide handy and use it whenever you need a quick moment of calm—before tests, between classes, or whenever you feel stressed.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Day 2: Gratitude Journal

Guide students through a brief gratitude journaling activity, helping them identify three things they’re thankful for, reflect on positive experiences, and build a habit of noticing the good.

Practicing gratitude enhances mood, reduces stress, and fosters a positive classroom culture by encouraging students to focus on strengths and positive experiences.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Structured journaling and peer sharing.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Gratitude Materials

5 minutes

  • Print one copy of the Gratitude Journal Template for each student
  • Distribute pens or pencils
  • (Optional) Create a quick slide with example gratitude entries or write sample items on chart paper

Step 1

Settle In & Introduction

2 minutes

  • Invite students to sit quietly and take a couple of deep breaths
  • Explain: Today we’ll focus on gratitude to boost our mood and start class positively
  • Show the Gratitude Journal Template and explain the sections

Step 2

Gratitude Journaling

7 minutes

  • Ask students to write down three things they’re grateful for today
  • For each item, prompt them to note why it’s meaningful
  • Encourage students to be specific and honest as they write

Step 3

Pair & Share

4 minutes

  • Have students turn to a partner and share one gratitude entry
  • Instruct them to explain why they chose that item and how it makes them feel
  • Encourage active listening and positive feedback

Step 4

Whole-Class Reflection & Closing

2 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share an insight or favorite gratitude item
  • Highlight how noticing gratitude can shift perspective and reduce stress
  • Encourage students to use this practice whenever they need a positive reset
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Slide Deck

Gratitude Journal – Day 2

Start class by noticing the good. Today we’ll identify things we’re thankful for and share why they matter.

Welcome students. Introduce today’s activity. Explain we will focus on gratitude journaling to boost our mood and classroom community.

Session Objective

• Write three gratitude entries
• Reflect on positive experiences
• Share and build a supportive classroom culture

Explain the objective. Script: “Today’s goal is to practice gratitude to improve our mindset and classroom environment.”

Why Practice Gratitude?

• Enhances mood and well-being
• Reduces stress and negative thoughts
• Fosters a positive, supportive classroom

Share benefits of gratitude. Script: “Gratitude can improve mood, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships.”

Step 1: Gratitude Journaling

  1. Write three things you’re grateful for today
  2. Describe why each item is meaningful to you
  3. Be specific and honest in your reflections

Show the Gratitude Journal Template. Script: “Use the template to guide your writing.”

Step 2: Pair & Share

• Share one gratitude item with a partner
• Explain why it matters to you
• Practice active listening and positive feedback

Explain the pairing activity. Script: “Turn to a partner and share one gratitude entry, including why you chose it.”

Reflection & Closing

• Volunteer to share one insight
• Discuss how gratitude can shift your perspective
• Remember to practice gratitude daily

Invite students to volunteer. Script: “Who would like to share an insight or favorite gratitude entry?”

Takeaway

Keep the Gratitude Journal Template as a daily reset tool and strengthen your positive mindset.

Encourage ongoing practice. Script: “Use this journaling tool whenever you need a positive reset—before tests, at home, or anytime you need a positivity boost.”

lenny

Worksheet

Gratitude Journal Template

Instructions

Take a moment to reflect on your day and identify three things you’re grateful for. For each item, explain why it matters to you.

  1. I am grateful for: ________________________________
    Why this is meaningful:











  2. I am grateful for: ________________________________
    Why this is meaningful:











  3. I am grateful for: ________________________________
    Why this is meaningful:











Reflection

  1. How did writing these gratitude entries make you feel?





















  2. When could you use a quick gratitude practice to boost your mood? List two occasions:
    a. _________________________________________






    b. _________________________________________





Daily Gratitude Plan

Choose one simple way you can practice gratitude each day this week:







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lenny

Lesson Plan

Day 3: Positive Affirmations

Guide students to craft and share positive self-statements that boost self-esteem, reinforce growth mindset, and promote positive self-talk in the classroom.

Positive affirmations help students build confidence, resilience, and a supportive classroom culture by encouraging constructive self-beliefs and mindset shifts.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Individual affirmation writing, peer feedback, and group reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Affirmation Materials

5 minutes

  • Print one copy of the Positive Affirmations Worksheet for each student
  • Distribute pens or pencils
  • (Optional) Create a slide or chart with example affirmations to inspire students

Step 1

Settle In & Introduction

2 minutes

  • Invite students to sit quietly and take two deep breaths to center themselves
  • Explain today’s goal: to create positive “I am…” or “I can…” statements that support confidence and growth
  • Display the Positive Affirmations Worksheet and review its sections

Step 2

Create Personal Affirmations

6 minutes

  • Ask students to write at least five positive self-statements (e.g., “I am capable of solving hard problems”)
  • Encourage them to use present-tense, specific, and meaningful language
  • Remind students to think of areas they want to strengthen or celebrate

Step 3

Partner Share & Feedback

4 minutes

  • Have students pair up and exchange their top two affirmations
  • Instruct partners to provide positive, specific feedback and suggest wording improvements if needed
  • Encourage active listening and respectful, supportive comments

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

3 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share an affirmation they’re proud of and how it makes them feel
  • Discuss quick ways to use affirmations daily (e.g., sticky notes on laptops, mirror reminders)
  • Encourage students to revisit and repeat their affirmations whenever they need a confidence boost
lenny

Slide Deck

Positive Affirmations – Day 3

Use the power of positive self-talk to build confidence and a growth mindset.

Welcome students and introduce today’s activity. Explain that we’ll use the power of positive self-talk to boost confidence and foster a growth mindset.

Session Objective

• Write at least five positive self-statements
• Exchange affirmations and give feedback
• Reflect on using affirmations in everyday life

Clarify what students will accomplish today.

Script: “By the end of this session, you’ll have crafted personal affirmations, shared feedback with a partner, and identified ways to use these statements daily.”

Why Positive Affirmations?

• Boosts self-esteem and confidence
• Reinforces a growth mindset and resilience
• Cultivates a supportive, optimistic environment

Explain why affirmations matter.

Script: “Positive statements help rewire our thinking, strengthen resilience, and support a positive classroom culture.”

Step 1: Create Your Affirmations

  1. Write at least five “I am…” or “I can…” statements
  2. Use present tense and meaningful, specific language
  3. Refer to the Positive Affirmations Worksheet

Guide students through writing their affirmations.

Script: “Use present-tense, specific language. Think of areas you want to celebrate or strengthen.”

Step 2: Partner Share & Feedback

• Exchange your top two affirmations
• Provide positive, specific praise
• Suggest wording improvements if helpful

Explain the partner feedback process.

Script: “Now pair up and share your top two affirmations. Give each other positive, specific feedback or suggestions.”

Reflection & Closing

• Volunteer to share one favorite affirmation
• Discuss quick ways to use these daily (sticky notes, phone reminders, mirror)

Lead a brief reflection.

Script: “Who would like to share an affirmation they’re proud of? How does saying it aloud make you feel?”

Takeaway

Display your affirmations—sticky notes, phone wallpapers, mirror. Repeat them daily to reinforce positivity.

Encourage ongoing practice.

Script: “Keep your affirmations visible and repeat them whenever you need a confidence boost.”

lenny

Worksheet

Positive Affirmations Worksheet

Instructions

Today you’ll craft personal, positive self-statements that reinforce confidence and a growth mindset. Use present-tense language and make each affirmation specific and meaningful.

1. Create Your Affirmations

Write at least five “I am…” or “I can…” statements below. Be as specific as possible.

  1. I am… ________________________________________________





  1. I can… ________________________________________________





  1. I am… ________________________________________________





  1. I can… ________________________________________________





  1. I am… ________________________________________________





2. Partner Feedback

Exchange your two favorite affirmations with a partner. Ask for one piece of positive feedback and one suggestion for improvement.

Affirmation Shared: _______________________________________






Partner’s Positive Feedback:






Partner’s Suggestion:






3. Reflection

  1. Which affirmation resonates most with you and why?











  1. How does saying this affirmation aloud make you feel?











4. Action Plan

Choose one affirmation to focus on this week. Write it here and decide where you’ll display it as a reminder (e.g., mirror, locker, phone wallpaper).

My focus affirmation:






I will display it: _________________________________________






Keep this sheet handy and repeat your chosen affirmation daily to reinforce a positive mindset and self-belief.

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lenny

Lesson Plan

Day 4: Energy Break

Provide a brief, guided movement break with varied energizing exercises to help students release pent-up energy, improve focus, and return to class feeling refreshed.

Physical movement boosts alertness, reduces restlessness, and supports self-regulation—helping students engage more effectively in subsequent lessons.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Structured movement activities and mindful cooldown.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Energy Break Materials

5 minutes

  • Print or assemble the Energy Break Activity Cards
  • Clear a safe area around desks for movement
  • (Optional) Queue up upbeat, copyright-free music
  • Set your timer or stopwatch for 1-minute intervals

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Invite students to stand and find space around their desks
  • Explain today’s break: quick, energizing exercises to refresh mind and body
  • Demonstrate one simple stretch (e.g., side reach or shoulder roll)

Step 2

Activity Rotations

10 minutes

  • Tell students you’ll lead 5 exercises, 1 minute each, using the Energy Break Activity Cards
  • Draw or display a card, name the exercise (e.g., jumping jacks, high knees, arm circles)
  • Start the timer for 1 minute; when it rings, move to the next card
  • Encourage students to give full effort while staying safe

Step 3

Mindful Cooldown

2 minutes

  • Ask students to slow their pace and stand still
  • Lead 3 deep inhales and exhales with arms lifting on inhale and lowering on exhale
  • Guide gentle neck or calf stretches to release tension

Step 4

Reflection & Transition

1 minute

  • Have students rate their current energy/focus on a 1–5 scale
  • Invite a couple of volunteers to share how they feel after the break
  • Remind them this routine can be a quick reset whenever they need it
lenny

Slide Deck

Energy Break – Day 4

Stand up, move your body, and refresh your focus with a series of energizing exercises.

Welcome students and introduce today’s activity. Explain that we’ll take a quick movement break to boost energy and focus.

Session Objective

• Release excess energy
• Improve focus and alertness
• Practice a self-regulation reset routine

Clarify the session’s goals. Script: “By the end of this break, you’ll have released pent-up energy, improved alertness, and practiced a quick reset tool.”

Why Take a Movement Break?

• Boosts alertness and concentration
• Reduces stress and restlessness
• Supports self-regulation and focus

Explain the benefits of movement. Script: “Physical activity increases blood flow, reduces restlessness, and helps your brain stay sharp.”

Step 1: Warm-Up

  1. Stand and find a comfortable space
  2. Perform side reaches (30 seconds each side)
  3. Roll your shoulders back and forth (30 seconds)

Lead students through a warm-up. Script: “Let’s start by finding space around our desks and easing into it with a simple stretch.”

Step 2: Activity Rotations

• Use Energy Break Activity Cards
• 1 minute per exercise × 5 exercises
• Examples: jumping jacks, high knees, arm circles, squats, toe taps

Use the activity cards for each rotation. Script: “We’ll draw five cards and do each exercise for one minute. Give it your best while staying safe.”

Step 3: Mindful Cooldown

  1. Stand still and inhale deeply (arms lift)
  2. Exhale slowly (arms lower)
  3. Repeat 3×, then add gentle neck or calf stretches

Guide the cooldown. Script: “Slow down your breathing and let’s center ourselves after that burst of activity.”

Reflection & Transition

• Rate energy/focus (1 = low, 5 = high)
• Invite volunteers to share how they feel
• Remind: use this break anytime you need a reset

Wrap up and transition back to class. Script: “On a scale of 1–5, how energized and focused do you feel now? Who’d like to share?”

Takeaway

Use the Energy Break Activity Cards as a quick reset tool to maintain energy and focus throughout the day.

Encourage students to practice this routine regularly. Script: “Keep these cards handy and take a quick break whenever you feel restless or need a focus boost.”

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Activity

Energy Break Activity Cards

Use these cards to guide 1-minute movement bursts. Print and cut out each card (or display digitally). Shuffle and draw 5 cards for your Energy Break session.

Jumping Jacks

Stand with feet together and arms at sides. Jump your feet out while raising your arms overhead, then return. Continue at a steady pace.

High Knees

Run in place, lifting your knees toward your chest. Pump arms to keep momentum and maintain an even rhythm.

Arm Circles

Stand tall and extend arms horizontally. Circle your arms forward for 30 seconds, then reverse direction for 30 seconds.

Squats

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend knees and lower hips as if sitting, then stand up. Keep your chest lifted and knees aligned over toes.

Toe Taps

Stand facing a low step or platform. Rapidly alternate tapping each toe on the step, switching feet quickly and maintaining a brisk pace.

Standing Side Stretches

Reach your right arm overhead and lean gently to the left to stretch the side. Switch sides halfway through the minute.

Calf Raises

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Rise onto your toes, hold briefly, then lower heels back down. Repeat at a controlled rhythm.

March in Place

Lift your knees high and pump your arms as you march in place. Focus on engaging your core and keeping a steady tempo.

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lenny

Lesson Plan

Day 5: Sound Recharge

Guide students through a mindful listening exercise using calming soundscapes to promote relaxation, self-awareness, and end-of-week reflection.

Mindful listening helps students reduce stress, improve focus, and develop self-regulation by tuning into sensory experiences and emotions in a structured way.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Guided sound listening with reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Sound Recharge Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Settle In & Introduction

2 minutes

  • Invite students to sit comfortably, close their eyes or soften their gaze, and take two deep breaths
  • Explain that today’s activity will focus on listening to calming sounds to refresh our minds
  • Distribute the Sound Reflection Worksheet and briefly review its sections

Step 2

Guided Sound Listening

10 minutes

  • Play Track 1 from the Sound Recharge Playlist for 4 minutes
  • At the end, pause playback and allow 30 seconds for students to jot one-word feelings on their worksheet
  • Play Track 2 for 4 minutes, then pause again for 30 seconds of notes
  • Encourage students to notice details such as instruments, nature sounds, rhythm, and how their body responds

Step 3

Reflection & Closing

3 minutes

  • Ask students to rate their current calmness on a 1–5 scale and write one key observation on the worksheet
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share what they noticed or how they feel now
  • Encourage students to use mindful listening anytime they need a quick mental reset and to revisit the playlist on their own
lenny

Slide Deck

Sound Recharge – Day 5

Refresh your mind through mindful listening to calming soundscapes and end the week feeling centered.

Welcome students and introduce today’s activity. Explain that we will use soundscapes to calm the mind and reflect on our experience.

Session Objective

• Listen mindfully to two calming tracks
• Reflect on sensory details and emotions
• Develop a simple mental reset practice

Clarify what students will accomplish today.

Script: “By the end of this session, you’ll have listened to two calming tracks, reflected on your experience, and learned a quick mental reset tool.”

Why Mindful Listening?

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration and presence
• Cultivates self-awareness and emotional regulation

Explain the benefits of mindful listening.

Script: “Tuning into sound can lower stress, sharpen focus, and deepen self-awareness.”

Step 1: Settle In

  1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes or soften your gaze
  2. Take two deep breaths to arrive in the moment
  3. Review the sections on the Sound Reflection Worksheet

Guide students through settling in.

Script: “Let’s get comfortable, close our eyes or soften our gaze, and prepare our worksheets.”

Step 2: Guided Listening

• Play Track 1 from the Sound Recharge Playlist for 4 minutes
• Pause 30 seconds—write a one-word feeling and notes
• Play Track 2 for 4 minutes, then pause 30 seconds for notes

Describe the listening procedure.

Script: “We will play two tracks for four minutes each. After each, you’ll jot a single word and observations.”

Step 3: Reflect & Share

• Rate your calmness (1 = tense, 5 = very calm)
• Write one key observation on your worksheet
• Invite volunteers to share what they noticed or felt

Lead reflection and sharing.

Script: “On a scale of 1–5, how calm do you feel now? Who’d like to share one observation?”

Takeaway

Use the Sound Recharge Playlist and Sound Reflection Worksheet as a fast, effective reset tool throughout your day.

Encourage ongoing use of the tools.

Script: “Remember, you can revisit these tracks and reflection prompts anytime you need a quick mental reset.”

lenny

Reading

Sound Recharge Playlist

Use these two 4-minute tracks to guide your mindful listening session. Preview and test volume before class.

  1. Track 1 – Gentle Rainforest Ambience (4:05)
    • Source: https://freesound.org/people/ExampleUser/sounds/12345/
    • Description: Soft rainfall with distant bird calls and rustling leaves.
  2. Track 2 – Ocean Waves at Dusk (4:10)
    • Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExampleID
    • Description: Rhythmic ocean waves gently crashing on shore under a calm sky.

Teacher Tips

  • Ensure speakers or headphones are clear and set at a moderate volume.
  • Cue the playlist so Track 1 and Track 2 play back-to-back with a 30-second pause in between for reflection.
  • Encourage students to close their eyes or soften their gaze and focus fully on the sounds.

Alternative Sources

  • Search “Rainforest Ambience” or “Ocean Waves” on Spotify or YouTube for other royalty-free options.
  • Explore https://www.freesound.org for a wide selection of calming soundscapes.

Keep this playlist handy for a quick, effective mental reset anytime during the week.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Sound Reflection Worksheet

Instructions

You will listen to two tracks from the Sound Recharge Playlist. After each track, pause the audio and complete the prompts below. Use the final reflection questions to deepen your insights and plan how to use mindful listening in the future.

Track 1 – Gentle Rainforest Ambience

  1. One-word feeling after listening to Track 1: ________________________________




  1. Describe what you noticed about the sounds (e.g., instruments, nature sounds, rhythm, mood):











Track 2 – Ocean Waves at Dusk

  1. One-word feeling after listening to Track 2: ________________________________




  1. Describe what you noticed about the sounds:











Reflection

  1. On a scale of 1 (tense) to 5 (very calm), I feel now: ______






  1. What is one key observation or insight you want to remember from this exercise?












  1. List two moments when you could use mindful listening to reset your focus or calmness:
    a. ________________________________




    b. ________________________________



Keep this worksheet handy and revisit this practice whenever you need a quick mental reset.

lenny
lenny