Mindful Journaling: A Reflective Pause

Cathy Wicker

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Journaling: A Reflective Pause

Enhance mindfulness and self-reflection

In this lesson, students will engage in guided journaling exercises designed to enhance mindfulness and self-reflection. Through writing prompts, they will explore their thoughts and emotions, encouraging a deeper understanding of themselves and fostering emotional clarity. This lesson is important as it helps students develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness, which are crucial skills for personal growth and mental well-being.

Audience

Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Enhance mindfulness and self-reflection

Materials

Pens, Journals or notebooks, Mindful Journaling Prompts Worksheet, and Reflection Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction to Mindfulness

5 minutes

Begin with a brief explanation of mindfulness and its benefits.
Discuss how journaling can be a tool for mindfulness and self-reflection.
Encourage students to be open and honest in their writing.

Step 2

Guided Journaling Exercise

15 minutes

Distribute the 'Mindful Journaling Prompts Worksheet'.
Allow students to choose a prompt or provide a specific one to start with.
Encourage students to write freely without worrying about grammar or structure.
Remind them to focus on their thoughts and feelings as they write.

Step 3

Reflection and Discussion

10 minutes

Use the 'Reflection Discussion Guide' to facilitate a group discussion.
Encourage students to share their experiences and insights from the journaling exercise.
Discuss how they felt before, during, and after the exercise.
Highlight the importance of regular mindfulness practices.

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Worksheet

Mindful Journaling Prompts Worksheet

This worksheet provides a selection of prompts to guide students in their journaling exercise, encouraging mindfulness and self-reflection.

Write about a moment today when you felt truly present.

Think about what you were doing, how you felt, and what you noticed around you.

Describe a recent experience that made you feel grateful.

Consider why this experience was meaningful to you.

Reflect on a challenge you faced this week and how you handled it.

Focus on your emotions and thoughts during the challenge.

Discussion

Reflection Discussion Guide

This guide provides questions to facilitate a group discussion on the students' journaling experiences, promoting sharing and deeper understanding.

How did you feel before starting the journaling exercise?

Encourage students to think about their initial emotions and any hesitations they might have had.

What did you notice about your thoughts and feelings during the exercise?

Guide students to reflect on any patterns or insights they discovered.

How do you think regular journaling could benefit you?

Discuss potential long-term benefits such as improved emotional clarity and stress reduction.