Lesson Plan
Finding Calm Lesson Plan
Students will learn and apply mindfulness techniques to regulate emotions during stressful situations.
This lesson empowers students with practical skills for managing stress and emotions, fostering overall well-being.
Audience
6th Grade Group
Time
10 sessions
Approach
Guided discussions, video viewing, activities, and mindfulness practices.
Prep
Review and Setup
30 minutes
- Review the Finding Calm Lesson Plan for session objectives and key activities.
- Ensure digital materials like Calm Techniques Slides and Calming Techniques Practice are accessible.
- Prepare a calming environment in the classroom by arranging seating and minimizing distractions.
Step 1
Introduction & Discussion
20 minutes
- Introduce the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
- Facilitate a group discussion on experiences with stress and calmness.
- Present basic mindfulness techniques using Calm Techniques Slides.
Step 2
Video Demonstration: Mindfulness in Action
15 minutes
- Show a short video that demonstrates mindfulness techniques in action to provide students with a visual and auditory learning experience.
- Play the video Mindfulness (ensure the video is pre-approved).
- After the video, ask guiding questions to reinforce key takeaways.
Step 3
Guided Practice & Reflection
30 minutes
- Guide a mindfulness exercise using techniques outlined in Calming Techniques Practice.
- Allow students to reflect on their feelings and write down observations.
- Encourage sharing in small groups to discuss the effectiveness of the techniques.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Welcome to Calm Techniques
Discover mindfulness strategies to help you stay calm during stressful times.
Introduce the concept of mindfulness with engaging visuals. Explain each technique by showing simple illustrations and bullet points. Encourage students to think about times they felt stressed and how these techniques could help. Use the background colors (#E1FFC1, #EEFFD4, #F4FFE0) for calm, inviting slides.
Deep Breathing
Practice taking slow, deep breaths to help calm your mind and body.
Discuss the first technique with the class. Remind students to focus on their breathing. Describe how taking slow, deep breaths can reduce stress.
Body Scan
Learn to recognize tension in your body and release it through mindfulness.
Provide context on 'Body Scan' mindfulness. Explain how tuning into different parts of the body helps notice tension. Use images of a human figure with highlighted body parts.
Visualization
Imagine a place where you feel safe and calm. Use your senses to explore it in your mind.
Explain visualization techniques, encouraging creativity. Ask students to imagine a peaceful place, describing its sights and sounds.
Review & Reflect
Which mindfulness technique feels the most helpful to you? Share with a partner!
Summarize the techniques. Provide a reflective question or prompt regarding which technique they want to try and how they might use it.
Activity
Calming Techniques Practice
This activity is designed to help you experience mindfulness techniques firsthand. It's a hands-on session where you'll practice deep breathing, body scan, and visualization in a supportive, calm setting. Follow the steps below and take time to reflect on your experience.
Instructions
Step 1: Creating a Calming Environment
- Begin by arranging your space so that you feel comfortable and free from distractions.
- Sit in a relaxed position with your feet firmly on the ground and hands resting comfortably.
- Close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so, and take a few seconds to focus on your breathing.
Step 2: Mindfulness Techniques Practice
Technique 1: Deep Breathing
- Inhale slowly through your nose, holding the breath for a moment, and then exhale gently through your mouth.
- Repeat this cycle for 1-2 minutes. Focus on the sensations of air filling your lungs and then leaving your body.
Technique 2: Body Scan
- Starting at the top of your head, mentally direct your attention down through your body, noticing any areas of tension.
- Spend a few moments acknowledging any sensations without judgment and imagine the tension melting away.
Technique 3: Visualization
- Imagine a peaceful place—a beach, a quiet forest, or any place where you feel safe and calm.
- Take a moment to visualize the details: the sounds, the colors, and the scents. Let the image fill your mind as you continue to breathe slowly and steadily.
Group Sharing and Reflection
After completing the techniques, come together in small groups to share your experiences. Discuss the following:
- Which technique did you find most calming and why?
- Did you notice any changes in how you felt during or after the practice?
- How might these techniques help you manage stress in our everyday life?
Engage in a respectful conversation, listening to one another and sharing supportive feedback.
Follow-Up
- Revisit these techniques at home when you feel stressed.
- Record your feelings and experiences in a journal, noting any patterns in what works best for you.
- Consider sharing any reflections or questions with your teacher in the next class.
Remember, the goal is to create a sense of calm and well-being that you can draw upon in chaotic moments.