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Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies

Lesson Plan

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies

Understand the connection between mental and physical health

In this lesson, students will explore how mental and physical health are interconnected. Through discussions, simple exercises, and mindfulness practices, they will learn how taking care of their bodies can improve their minds and vice versa. This lesson helps students develop essential habits for overall well-being early on.

Audience

Believers (ages 7-8)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand the connection between mental and physical health

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens/pencils, Yoga mats or towels, Calm Music Playlist, Discussion Questions, Mindfulness Activity Guide, Healthy Snacks (e.g., fruits, nuts, yogurt), and Plates and utensils

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief overview of the day's lesson.
  • Explain the importance of both mental and physical health.
  • Ask students if they can think of ways in which taking care of our body can help our mind and how taking care of our mind can help our body.

Step 2

Discussion: Connection Between Mind and Body

10 mins

  • Use the provided discussion questions to explore the connection between mental and physical health.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences.
  • Write key points on post-it notes and stick them on the board.

Step 3

Activity: Simple Physical Exercises

10 mins

  • Guide students through a series of simple exercises (e.g., jumping jacks, stretching, and deep breathing).
  • Explain how these exercises make us feel better and more energized.
  • Allow students to comment on their experiences during the exercises.

Step 4

Mindfulness Practice

10 mins

  • Lead students through a short mindfulness exercise using the mindfulness activity guide.
  • Play calm music in the background to enhance the experience.
  • Encourage students to focus on their breathing and clear their minds.

Step 5

Healthy Snack Time

10 mins

  • Introduce the concept of healthy eating and its importance for overall well-being.
  • Provide a variety of healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and yogurt.
  • Allow students to taste the snacks and share their thoughts on how these foods might help them feel better.

Step 6

Reflection

5 mins

  • Have students sit in a circle and share one thing they learned about the connection between mental and physical health.
  • Discuss how they can incorporate these practices into their daily routines.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson.
  • Encourage students to continue practicing the exercises and mindfulness activities at home.
  • Answer any remaining questions the students might have.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Discussion segment designed to help students understand the connection between mental and physical health through guided questions.

How do you feel when you exercise?

Encourage students to discuss the physical sensations as well as the emotional effects of exercise.







Can you think of a time when you felt stressed or worried but felt better after doing something physical?

Help students make connections between physical activities and reduced stress or anxiety.







Why do you think taking care of our mind by relaxing and being mindful can help our body feel better?

Focus on the ways mental relaxation can benefit physical health, like reducing tension or improving sleep.







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Reading

Mindfulness Activity Guide

A simple guide to lead students through a short mindfulness exercise. Designed to promote mental and physical well-being.

Mindfulness Activity Guide

Preparation:

  • Ensure students are seated comfortably on yoga mats or towels.
  • Play calm music softly in the background.

Exercise Steps:

  1. Introduction:
    • Explain that mindfulness is about paying full attention to something. It will help us focus and feel calm.
  2. Start with Breathing:
    • Instruct students to close their eyes and take deep breaths in and out.
    • Encourage them to focus on the feeling of the air moving in and out.
  3. Body Scan:
    • While continuing deep breaths, guide students to pay attention to different parts of their body, starting from the head down to the toes.
    • Ask them to notice any tightness or tension and to try to relax those areas.
  4. Visualization:
    • Ask students to imagine they are in a peaceful place (like a beach or a quiet forest).
    • Encourage them to think about the sounds, smells, and sights they might experience there.
  5. Closing:
    • Slowly bring their attention back to the room.
    • Have them open their eyes gently and take one final deep breath together.

Remind students that they can use these mindfulness exercises anytime they need to feel calm and focused.

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