Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Introduce mindfulness as a core DBT skill through a brief video, guided practice, and worksheet activity, enabling students to focus attention on the present moment.
Mindfulness enhances self-awareness, reduces stress and impulsivity, and lays the foundation for emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills in DBT.
Audience
Tier 2 small group (3–6 students) with behavioral challenges
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Video introduction, guided practice, worksheet reinforcement.
Materials
- Whiteboard and Markers, - Mindfulness Introduction Video, and - Session 1 Mindfulness Worksheet
Prep
Prep Materials
15 minutes
- Print enough copies of Session 1 Mindfulness Worksheet for each student.
- Arrange chairs in a circle to promote group cohesion.
- Queue and test the Mindfulness Introduction Video on AV equipment.
- Review session objective and familiarize yourself with the guided mindfulness script.
Step 1
Warm-Up and Objectives
5 minutes
- Greet students and conduct a quick mood check-in round.
- Share the session’s objective: understanding and practicing mindfulness.
- Note key terms (“present moment,” “awareness”) on the whiteboard.
Step 2
Video Introduction
10 minutes
- Play the Mindfulness Introduction Video.
- After viewing, prompt students to share immediate reactions.
- Highlight the definition of mindfulness and its benefits.
Step 3
Guided Mindfulness Practice
10 minutes
- Lead a 5-minute breathing exercise: instruct students to close eyes and focus on inhalation/exhalation.
- Encourage noticing thoughts and gently returning focus to breath.
- Afterward, ask students to describe sensations or observations.
Step 4
Worksheet Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Session 1 Mindfulness Worksheet.
- Students complete exercises: brief mindfulness log and present-moment observations.
- Circulate to support, clarify prompts, and reinforce key concepts.
Step 5
Discussion and Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Facilitate a group discussion: “How might mindfulness help you manage stress or impulses?”
- Invite each student to share one personal takeaway.
- Preview next session’s focus on emotional regulation skills.
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Activity
Activity: Mindful Breathing Exercise
Objective: Introduce students to mindful breathing as a practical mindfulness skill to center attention and calm the mind.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Chairs arranged in a circle or comfortable seating
- Timer or quiet bell
Instructions:
- Set-Up (1 minute)
Ask students to sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and hands resting easily in their lap. - Explanation (1 minute)
Explain that they will focus on their natural breath—no changing or forcing it—just noticing each inhale and exhale. - Guided Breathing (5 minutes)
- Lead a simple count: inhale quietly for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, exhale fully for 6 seconds.
- Repeat for 5–6 full breaths.
- Encourage noticing any thoughts or sensations and gently returning attention to the breath whenever the mind wanders. - Reflection (3 minutes)
Invite students to share one word or sentence about how they felt during the exercise and any observations (e.g., “I noticed my shoulders relaxed,” “My mind kept wandering to lunch”).
Follow-Up Suggestion:
Encourage students to practice this breathing exercise for 1–2 minutes each day and jot down any changes they notice in their DBT journal.
Worksheet
Session 1 Mindfulness Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Section 1: Defining Mindfulness
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In your own words, what is mindfulness?
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List two benefits of practicing mindfulness:
- Benefit 1: __________________________
- Benefit 2: __________________________
Section 2: Mindfulness Log
Choose a 2-minute period and focus on the present moment. Then write one observation for each sense below:
-
Something you see: __________________________
-
Something you hear: __________________________
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Something you feel (physical sensation): __________________________
Section 3: Reflection
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How did focusing on your breath feel? (one word or sentence)
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What did you notice about your thoughts during the breathing exercise?
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How might you use mindfulness in a stressful situation at school or home?
Section 4: Personal Takeaway
Write one personal takeaway or goal for practicing mindfulness this week:
Discussion
Session 1 Discussion
Purpose: Facilitate a supportive conversation so students can share their experiences with mindfulness and connect the practice to real-life situations.
Guidelines:
- Speak from your own experience using “I” statements.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Respect each person’s perspective and keep comments confidential within the group.
1. Check-In (5 minutes)
- Question: How are you feeling right now after our breathing exercise?
2. Exploring the Experience (10 minutes)
- Question: What did you notice about your thoughts, body, or emotions when you focused on your breath?
- Follow-Up Prompts:
- Did any particular thought or sensation surprise you?
- How did your body feel (e.g., relaxed, tense, still)?
3. Connecting to Daily Life (10 minutes)
- Question: Think of a stressful moment at school or home. How might pausing and focusing on your breath help in that situation?
- Follow-Up Prompts:
- Can you describe a specific scenario (test anxiety, argument with a friend) where you’d try this?
- What might get in the way of using this skill when you actually need it?
4. Identifying Challenges and Solutions (10 minutes)
- Question: What was most challenging about staying mindful for those few minutes?
- Follow-Up Prompts:
- Did your mind wander? What kinds of thoughts came up?
- How could you gently bring your focus back next time?
5. Personal Takeaway (5 minutes)
- Question: Write or share one concrete plan for practicing mindful breathing this week. When and where will you do it?
Wrap-Up:
- Ask each student to share their plan in one sentence.
- Preview Session 2: Emotional Regulation Skills.