Lesson Plan
Mindful Connections: Session 1
Students will expand their emotional vocabulary by identifying and articulating feelings through interactive activities and establish a safe group climate via an icebreaker and collaboratively created agreements.
Building a rich emotional vocabulary helps students recognize and communicate their feelings, fostering empathy, self-awareness, and stronger peer connections. Co-creating group agreements sets clear norms for respect and trust.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Icebreaker: Two Truths and a Feeling
5 minutes
Step 2
Establishing Group Agreements
5 minutes
Step 3
Introducing Emotional Vocabulary
5 minutes
Step 4
Vocabulary Card Matching Activity
10 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Closing
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Mindful Connections: Session 1
Session Agenda
Learning Objectives
Icebreaker: Two Truths and a Feeling
Establishing Group Agreements
Introducing Emotional Vocabulary
Feelings Vocabulary Cards
Vocabulary Card Matching Activity
Reflection & Closing
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Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Mindful Connections: Session 2
Students will practice reading and interpreting emotional cues through observation and role-play to strengthen empathy and supportive responses.
Learning to accurately identify others’ emotions and respond with empathy deepens social connections, reduces misunderstandings, and builds a positive group climate.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm-Up: Emotions Charades
7 minutes
Step 2
Discussion: Identifying Cues
5 minutes
Step 3
Empathy Role-Play
10 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Group Debrief
8 minutes
Lesson Plan
Mindful Connections: Session 3
Students will strengthen active listening and conversational skills by practicing attentive behaviors and structured partner interviews.
Active listening enhances understanding, builds trust, and improves peer relationships. Structured conversations help students apply listening skills in real interactions.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Quick Check-In
3 minutes
Step 2
Mini-Lesson: Active Listening Skills
5 minutes
Step 3
Cue-Card Practice
10 minutes
Step 4
Partner Interview Activity
7 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Debrief
5 minutes
Lesson Plan
Mindful Connections: Session 4
Students will learn and apply healthy strategies to manage strong emotions during peer conflicts, practicing de-escalation and constructive communication.
Equipping students with emotion-regulation tools reduces conflict escalation, supports positive peer interactions, and builds resilience in challenging situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Quick Warm-Up
3 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Coping Strategies
7 minutes
Step 3
Scenario Role-Plays
15 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Debrief
5 minutes
Lesson Plan
Mindful Connections: Session 5
Students will integrate and apply their emotional awareness, empathy, active listening, and coping strategies by reflecting on past sessions and creating a personalized action plan for healthy peer interactions.
Consolidating skills and committing to concrete actions empowers students to use social-emotional tools in real-life situations, reinforces group support, and boosts confidence in managing emotions and relationships.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Step 1
Quick Re-Engagement
5 minutes
Step 2
Skills Review
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Reflection & Commitment
8 minutes
Step 4
Personal Action Plan Development
8 minutes
Step 5
Closing & Celebration
4 minutes
