Breathing and Storytelling Adventure

Mercedes Flores Nava

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Breathing and Storytelling Adventure

Practice mindfulness through storytelling

This lesson combines storytelling with breathing exercises to help 2nd-grade students practice mindfulness. Through a calming narrative, students will be guided to pause and engage in breathing exercises at key points in the story. This approach not only enhances their listening skills but also introduces them to techniques for managing stress and emotions, fostering a sense of calm and focus.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

35 mins

Approach

Practice mindfulness through storytelling

Materials

Story Handout, Breathing Exercise Guide, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by explaining the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
Introduce the idea of combining storytelling with breathing exercises.
Explain that students will listen to a story and practice breathing at certain points.

Step 2

Storytelling Session

15 mins

Read the story aloud to the class, pausing at designated points.
At each pause, guide students through a breathing exercise using the Breathing Exercise Guide.
Encourage students to focus on their breath and the calming aspects of the story.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Use the Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about the story and the breathing exercises.
Encourage students to share how the exercises made them feel and any observations they had.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Reinforce the importance of mindfulness and how they can use breathing exercises in their daily lives.
Thank students for their participation and encourage them to practice at home.

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Reading

Story Handout

This handout contains the calming narrative used in the lesson. It is designed to guide students through a mindfulness journey with designated breathing points.

Once upon a time in a peaceful forest, there lived a wise old owl. The owl loved to watch the stars and listen to the gentle rustle of the leaves. [Pause for breathing exercise] One day, the owl met a little squirrel who was feeling anxious about gathering enough acorns for winter. The owl taught the squirrel a special breathing technique to calm his worries. [Pause for breathing exercise] As the squirrel practiced, he felt more relaxed and confident. Together, they watched the sunset, feeling grateful and at peace. [Pause for breathing exercise]

Reading

Breathing Exercise Guide

This guide provides instructions for the breathing exercises to be practiced during the storytelling session.

Deep Breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat three times.
Counting Breaths: Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. Repeat twice.
Visualization Breathing: Imagine a peaceful scene as you breathe in and out slowly. Picture the scene becoming clearer with each breath.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions are designed to facilitate a discussion about the story and the breathing exercises, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences.

How did the breathing exercises make you feel during the story?

Encourage students to share their feelings and any changes they noticed in their mood or focus.

What was your favorite part of the story and why?

Guide students to connect their favorite parts of the story with the calming effects of the breathing exercises.

Can you think of a time when you might use these breathing exercises outside of class?

Help students brainstorm situations where mindfulness and breathing could help them, such as before a test or when feeling upset.