Journey to the Center of Calm

Lauren Oldham

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Journey to the Center of Calm Lesson Plan

Guide elementary students in identifying stress triggers and practicing calming, mindfulness techniques through visualization and relaxation exercises.

This lesson equips students with practical stress-management tools, promoting self-regulation and overall well-being in a supportive, interactive environment.

Audience

Elementary School Students (Grades 3-5)

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided visualization, and hands-on activities.

Materials

Journey to the Center of Calm Lesson Plan, Journey to the Center of Calm Slide Deck, and Journey to Calm Activity Sheet

Prep

Preparation

10-15 minutes

Review the Journey to the Center of Calm Lesson Plan for comprehensive instructions.
Ensure that the slide deck and activity materials are accessible on your digital device for projection or distribution.
Familiarize yourself with the guided relaxation techniques to confidently lead the visualization exercise.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

Initiate a conversation on stress: what it feels like and common triggers.
Invite students to share brief personal experiences of stress and how they managed it, fostering a safe, open dialogue.

Step 2

Guided Visualization

15 minutes

Present the visual journey using the Journey to the Center of Calm Slide Deck.
Lead students in a guided visualization, encouraging them to imagine a serene place where they feel safe and calm.
Optionally, play soft background music to enhance the relaxation experience.

Step 3

Relaxation Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Journey to Calm Activity Sheet for students to individually note stress triggers and potential calming techniques.
Facilitate a brief discussion on the responses, highlighting common themes and effective strategies.

Step 4

Reflection and Wrap-up

10 minutes

Encourage students to reflect on the session by sharing one insight or new thought about managing stress.
Summarize the key takeaway: the importance of pausing, breathing, and redirecting focus when overwhelmed.
Remind students that mindfulness is a skill they can practice daily.

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Slide Deck

Journey to the Center of Calm

Welcome! Today we will explore how to find calm in busy moments and stressful situations.

This title slide introduces the lesson and sets a calm mood. Remind students that they are about to embark on a relaxing journey to find calm within themselves.

What is Stress?

Stress can make you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Let's share what it feels like sometimes.

Discuss what stress feels like. Ask students to recall times they felt stressed and connect that to physical sensations. This slide introduces the concept gently.

Imagine Your Safe Space

Imagine a place where you feel safe and peaceful. Picture the colors, sounds, and sensations of your special calm spot.

Use visual imagery on screen to signal shifting into a calm mindset. Prompt students to close their eyes if they are comfortable and listen to a guided visualization.

Guided Relaxation

Let’s take a deep breath in... and out. Relax your muscles, and let your body become calm.

Prepare them for a short guided relaxation exercise. Use calming language and maybe have some soothing background music ready. Pause for silent reflection as needed.

Reflection Time

How did your safe space feel? Share one thing you experienced during our relaxation journey.

Encourage a group discussion and reflection on what was experienced during the visualization. Highlight the connection between relaxation and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

Remember: Taking a deep breath and finding your safe space can bring calm in any stressful situation.

Close the session with key takeaways about self-regulation and mindfulness. Remind students that calm is always available within them.

Activity

Journey to Calm Activity Sheet

This activity sheet is designed to help you recognize your stress triggers and discover ways to feel calm when you need to. Read each prompt carefully and use the space provided to write or draw your thoughts.

1. What Makes Me Feel Stressed

Sometimes, things that happen around us can make us feel upset or nervous. Think about a time when you felt a little stressed and answer the following:

Prompt: Write or draw one thing that sometimes makes you feel stressed.

2. My Safe Place

Everyone has a place where they feel safe and happy. This place can be real or imaginary!

Prompt: Describe or illustrate your safe place. It might be a quiet park, your cozy room, or somewhere magical.

3. Ways to Find Calm

There are many ways to relax when you feel stressed.

Prompt: List or draw two things you can do to help yourself feel calm (e.g., taking deep breaths, drawing, listening to music).

4. Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on what you learned today. Think about how you can use your safe place and calming activities when things feel overwhelming.

Prompt: Write or draw one idea about how you plan to find calm when you feel stressed in the future.

Great Job on your Journey to Calm!