Mindful Expressions

Amberly Brown

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Expressions

Learn mindfulness and self-expression

In this lesson, students will explore mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety and shyness, followed by a creative arts activity to express themselves in a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to handle stress and encourages self-expression, fostering emotional well-being and confidence.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Learn mindfulness and self-expression

Materials

Paper, Colored pencils or markers, Mindfulness and Self-Expression Discussion, and Mindfulness Techniques Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Mindfulness

10 mins

Begin with a brief explanation of mindfulness and its benefits.
Discuss how mindfulness can help manage anxiety and shyness.
Encourage students to share any prior experiences with mindfulness.

Step 2

Guided Mindfulness Activity

15 mins

Lead a short mindfulness exercise, such as deep breathing or a body scan.
Encourage students to focus on their breath and observe their thoughts without judgment.
Ask students to reflect on how they feel after the exercise.

Step 3

Creative Arts Self-Expression

20 mins

Provide students with paper and colored pencils or markers.
Instruct them to create an artwork that represents their feelings or thoughts during the mindfulness exercise.
Encourage creativity and assure them there are no right or wrong ways to express themselves.

Step 4

Reflection and Discussion

15 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the 'Mindfulness and Self-Expression Discussion' questions.
Encourage students to share their artworks and experiences.
Discuss how mindfulness and self-expression can be used in daily life to manage emotions.

Discussion

Mindfulness and Self-Expression Discussion

A guided discussion to help students reflect on their mindfulness experience and self-expression through art.

How did the mindfulness exercise make you feel?

Encourage students to share their feelings and thoughts during the exercise. Discuss any changes they noticed in their mood or mindset.

What did you express in your artwork?

Ask students to describe their artwork and the emotions or thoughts they aimed to express. Highlight the diversity of expression and validate all forms of creativity.

How can mindfulness and self-expression help in daily life?

Discuss practical ways students can incorporate mindfulness and self-expression into their routines to manage stress and emotions.

Worksheet

Mindfulness Techniques Worksheet

A worksheet to help students learn and practice different mindfulness techniques.

List three mindfulness techniques you learned today.

Think about the exercises we did and any techniques mentioned during the lesson.

Describe a situation where you might use mindfulness to help manage your emotions.

Consider times when you feel anxious or shy and how mindfulness could assist you.

Draw a symbol or image that represents mindfulness to you.

Use your creativity to think of an image that captures the essence of mindfulness.