Lesson Plan
Fall Mindfulness Moments
Students will learn and practice fall-themed mindfulness techniques to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.
In just 15 minutes, students will gain practical tools to manage stress, improve focus, and connect with their senses, which are crucial life skills for navigating daily challenges.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Hands-on practice and reflection.
Materials
Small Fall Objects (leaves, acorns, pinecones) for each student, Writing Utensil for each student, Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck, Mindful Breathing Script, Fall Senses Worksheet, and Mindfulness Reflection Cool Down
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
10 minutes
- Gather small fall objects (leaves, acorns, pinecones) for each student.
- Print copies of the Fall Senses Worksheet for each student.
- Review the Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck and the Mindful Breathing Script to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure a quiet space for the activity.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Begin with a brief welcome and introduce the concept of mindfulness. Use Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 1 and Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 2.
- Ask students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'mindfulness'?" (Brief share-out).
Step 2
Mindful Breathing (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Guide students through a mindful breathing exercise using the Mindful Breathing Script. Display Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 3 and Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 4.
- Focus on the sensation of breath, perhaps imagining a fall breeze.
Step 3
Fall Senses Activity (6 minutes)
6 minutes
- Distribute one small fall object (leaf, acorn, pinecone) to each student and a copy of the Fall Senses Worksheet.
- Instruct students to use their senses to observe the object, guiding them through the prompts on the worksheet. Display Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 5.
- Encourage quiet, focused observation and writing.
Step 4
Reflection & Cool-Down (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Have students complete the Mindfulness Reflection Cool Down individually.
- Briefly discuss one or two reflections as a group if time permits. Conclude with Fall Mindfulness Moments Slide Deck - Slide 6.
Slide Deck
Fall Mindfulness Moments
Welcome to a moment of calm and connection.
Welcome students to the session. Introduce the idea of taking a short break to focus on the present moment. This slide sets a calm, inviting tone.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment.
It's noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings right now.
Ask students what comes to mind when they hear 'mindfulness.' Allow for a brief discussion before defining it. Emphasize it's about paying attention, on purpose, without judgment.
Mindful Breathing: Finding Your Anchor
Let's take a few moments to focus on our breath.
- Find a comfortable position.
- Gently close your eyes or soften your gaze.
- Notice the sensation of your breath.
Explain that mindful breathing helps anchor us to the present. Guide them to find a comfortable position. Mention the upcoming Mindful Breathing Script as a resource.
Mindful Breathing: Deepening the Connection
Imagine your breath as a gentle fall breeze.
- Inhaling freshness, exhaling worries.
- Notice how your body feels with each breath.
- If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.
Continue the breathing exercise, guiding students to notice the rise and fall of their chest or abdomen. Encourage them to imagine their breath as a fall breeze.
Fall Senses: An Object Observation
Now, let's explore the world through our senses.
- You will receive a small fall object.
- Use your sight, touch, and even smell to observe it closely.
- What do you notice? How does it feel? What thoughts come to mind?
Introduce the fall senses activity. Explain that they will receive a fall object and use their senses to explore it, similar to the worksheet they will be given: Fall Senses Worksheet.
Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, anytime.
- It helps us stay calm and focused.
- It builds awareness of ourselves and our surroundings.
- How can you bring a 'fall mindfulness moment' into your day?
Conclude the session. Thank students for participating and encourage them to use these techniques in their daily lives. Mention the Mindfulness Reflection Cool Down for individual reflection.
Script
Mindful Breathing: Fall Breeze Focus
Teacher: "Welcome, everyone. We're going to take a few quiet moments to practice mindful breathing. This is a wonderful way to bring ourselves into the present moment, calm our minds, and notice what’s happening around us and within us."
"First, find a comfortable position in your chair. You can sit with your feet flat on the floor, your back straight but relaxed, and your hands resting gently in your lap or on your desk. If it feels comfortable for you, you can gently close your eyes, or you can soften your gaze by looking down at a spot in front of you."
"Now, bring your attention to your breath. There’s no need to change your breath in any way, just notice it. Feel the air as it enters your body and as it leaves. You might notice the sensation of the air moving in through your nostrils, or the gentle rise and fall of your chest or abdomen."
"Imagine your breath is like a gentle fall breeze. As you inhale, imagine drawing in crisp, cool autumn air, filling you with energy and peace. As you exhale, imagine releasing any tension, worries, or distractions, like leaves gently falling from a tree."
"Let's continue this for a few more breaths. Inhaling freshness, exhaling anything you don't need right now. Notice the rhythm of your breath. Is it fast or slow? Shallow or deep? There’s no right or wrong, just observation."
"If your mind starts to wander, which it probably will, that’s perfectly normal. Gently acknowledge the thought, and then, without judgment, guide your attention back to the sensation of your breath. Think of it like a gentle whisper, bringing you back to the present."
"We'll take two more deep, mindful breaths together, feeling the full cycle of each inhale and exhale."
"When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes if they were closed, and bring your attention back to the room. Take a moment to notice how you feel. Thank you for participating in this mindful breathing exercise."
Worksheet
Fall Senses Observation
Instructions: Choose one fall object (a leaf, an acorn, a pinecone, etc.). Spend a few minutes quietly observing your object using your senses. Write down your observations in the spaces below. There are no right or wrong answers, just notice what you notice!
My Fall Object Is:
What I See (Sight):
- What colors do you notice? Are there different shades or patterns?
- What is its shape? Are the edges smooth or jagged?
- Are there any unique markings, textures, or details you haven't noticed before?
What I Feel (Touch):
- How does it feel in your hand? Is it smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft?
- Is it heavy or light?
- Are there any parts that feel different from others?
What I Smell (Smell):
- Bring the object close to your nose. Does it have a scent?
- Does it remind you of anything (e.g., earth, wood, sweetness)?
What I Notice (Thoughts & Feelings):
- What thoughts come to mind as you observe this object?
- How do you feel while focusing on this object?
One word to describe your object:
Cool Down
Mindfulness Reflection: Cool Down
Instructions: Take a few moments to reflect on today's mindfulness activities. Please answer the following questions honestly.
-
What was one new thing you noticed today during our mindfulness activities (either about yourself, your surroundings, or the fall object)?
-
How did practicing mindful breathing or observing the fall object make you feel?
- Calmer
- More focused
- Relaxed
- Curious
- A little silly
- No different
- Other (please explain):
-
Can you think of one way you could use a