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Mindful Garden Meditation

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Samantha Viele

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Garden Meditation Lesson Plan

Introduce young students to mindfulness through guided imagery and collaborative art, helping them create a calming 'garden' that fosters relaxation and emotional regulation.

This lesson aids in developing self-regulation, emotional awareness, and creativity by engaging students in a multi-sensory experience that promotes calmness.

Audience

Kindergarten to 3rd Grade

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Use guided meditation and art creation collaboratively.

Materials

Mindful Garden Meditation Lesson Plan, Mindful Garden Slide Deck, and Mindful Garden Activity Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Mindful Garden Meditation Lesson Plan and accompanying materials.
  • Ensure the slide deck (Mindful Garden Slide Deck) and art supplies for the activity (Mindful Garden Activity Worksheet) are prepared.
  • Set up a calm, inviting space in the classroom.

Step 1

Introduction & Grounding

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of a 'calm garden'.
  • Briefly explain mindfulness and its benefits.
  • Use a simple breathing exercise to ground the group.

Step 2

Guided Imagery Meditation

10 minutes

  • Play the guided imagery from the Mindful Garden Slide Deck.
  • Encourage students to imagine a serene garden setting with vibrant colors and soothing sounds.

Step 3

Collaborative Art Activity

15 minutes

  • Distribute art supplies and the Mindful Garden Activity Worksheet.
  • Ask students to draw or paint elements from their imagined garden, focusing on calm colors and peaceful shapes.
  • Encourage helping hands and collaborative additions to a large class 'garden' mural.

Step 4

Reflection and Sharing

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one part of their garden and describe what makes it soothing.
  • Ask reflective questions: 'How did your garden make you feel?' or 'What elements helped you calm down?'
  • Conclude the session by reaffirming the importance of self-care and mindfulness.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mindful Garden Meditation

Let's journey into a garden of calm together.

Welcome the students and introduce the idea of a 'calm garden'. Set a relaxing tone with a friendly greeting and explain that they will be using their imagination to think of beautiful, peaceful gardens.

What is a Calm Garden?

Imagine a garden full of beauty, calm colors, and peaceful sounds.

Discuss with the students what they think a 'calm garden' might look like. Ask them to use their imagination to think of colors, sounds, and textures.

Guided Imagery Meditation

Close your eyes and imagine your very own peaceful garden. Picture the colors, smells, and sounds around you.

Guide the students into a brief guided imagery meditation. Ask them to close their eyes and picture their ideal serene garden with vibrant colors and gentle sounds.

Collaborative Art Activity

Use art supplies to bring your garden to life on paper. Feel free to add details that make your garden unique.

Explain the art activity task. Encourage students to create a drawing or painting of the garden they just envisioned. Mention that their art will contribute to a class mural.

Reflection and Sharing

Share one part of your garden and tell us what made it soothing. How did your garden make you feel?

Facilitate a reflection session by inviting students to share their artwork and describe what made their garden calming. Ask reflective questions to engage and promote self-expression.

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Activity

Mindful Garden Activity Worksheet

Welcome to your Mindful Garden Activity! Today, you're going to create your very own calm garden that you imagined during our meditation session. This worksheet will help you draw your beautiful garden and think about how it makes you feel.

Part 1: Draw Your Calm Garden

Take a few minutes to draw a picture of the garden you imagined during our guided meditation. Think about:

  • What colors make you feel calm?
  • What special plants or features does your garden have?




Part 2: Reflect on Your Garden

Answer the questions below to help you reflect on your garden. Write or draw your answers:

  1. What is your favorite part of your garden?





  2. How did drawing your garden make you feel?





  3. What detail in your garden helps you feel peaceful or happy?





Part 3: Share Your Garden

If you feel comfortable, share one part of your drawing with a classmate or the whole class. Talk about why you chose that part of your garden and what makes it special to you.

Remember, your garden is a symbol of calm. There are no wrong answers—just your unique creation and feelings!

Enjoy your creative time!

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