Mindful Breathing & Reflection

Shelby White

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Breathing & Reflection

Enhance emotional awareness

This lesson guides students through a mindful breathing exercise followed by journaling reflections on gratitude and emotional wellbeing. It aims to enhance students' awareness of their feelings and teaches them grounding techniques to manage stress. This lesson is important as it helps students develop emotional regulation skills and promotes a positive mindset, which are crucial for their overall well-being and academic success.

Audience

Grades 6-8 Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Enhance emotional awareness

Materials

Paper and pens for journaling, and Mindful Breathing & Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Briefly introduce the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
Explain the purpose of the session: to practice mindful breathing and reflect on gratitude and emotional wellbeing.

Step 2

Mindful Breathing Exercise

5 minutes

Guide students through a simple mindful breathing exercise:
- Sit comfortably with your back straight.
- Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Focus on your breath and let go of any distracting thoughts.
- Continue this pattern for a few minutes.

Step 3

Journaling Reflection

10 minutes

Distribute the 'Mindful Breathing & Reflection Worksheet'.
Ask students to reflect on the following prompts:
- What are three things you are grateful for today?
- How do you feel after the breathing exercise?
- Write about a time when you felt stressed and how you managed it.
Encourage students to write freely and honestly.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

Invite a few students to share their reflections if they feel comfortable.
Summarize the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in managing stress.
Encourage students to practice mindful breathing regularly.

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Worksheet

Mindful Breathing & Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through journaling reflections on gratitude and emotional wellbeing after a mindful breathing exercise.

List three things you are grateful for today.

Think about people, experiences, or things that make you happy.

How do you feel after the breathing exercise?

Describe any changes in your mood or physical sensations.

Write about a time when you felt stressed and how you managed it.

Consider what strategies helped you cope with stress.