Lesson Plan
Mindful Journaling Lesson Plan
Learn to use journaling as a tool for mindfulness and emotional exploration.
Mindful journaling helps students understand and manage their emotions, promoting mental well-being.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Guided journaling and reflection activities
Materials
Mindful Journaling Slides, Journaling Prompts, Guided Mindfulness Walk, and Reflective Writing Session
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Mindful Journaling Slides to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Journaling Prompts for each student.
- Plan the route and timing for the Guided Mindfulness Walk.
- Set up a quiet space for the Reflective Writing Session.
Step 1
Introduction to Mindful Journaling
10 minutes
- Use the Mindful Journaling Slides to introduce the concept of mindful journaling.
- Discuss the benefits of journaling for emotional health and mindfulness.
Step 2
Guided Mindfulness Walk
10 minutes
- Lead students on a Guided Mindfulness Walk.
- Encourage them to observe their surroundings and focus on their senses.
Step 3
Journaling Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Journaling Prompts to students.
- Allow students time to write in their journals, reflecting on their walk and emotions.
Step 4
Reflective Writing Session
10 minutes
- Conduct a Reflective Writing Session.
- Invite students to share their thoughts and experiences, if comfortable.
- Discuss how they felt before and after the journaling activity.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Mindful Journaling
Discover how writing can help you explore your thoughts and emotions.
Introduce the topic of mindful journaling. Explain that it is a practice that combines mindfulness and journaling to help explore thoughts and emotions.
Why Mindful Journaling?
- Enhances emotional health
- Increases self-awareness
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Discuss the benefits of mindful journaling, such as improved emotional health, better self-awareness, and stress reduction.
Getting Started
- Find a quiet space.
- Set aside regular time.
- Write without judgment.
Explain how to start a mindful journaling practice. Encourage students to find a quiet space and time to write regularly.
Guided Mindfulness Walk
Observe your surroundings and focus on your senses.
Introduce the concept of a guided mindfulness walk. Explain that it helps to focus on the present moment and can be a source of inspiration for journaling.
Journaling Prompts
- What did you notice on your walk?
- How do you feel right now?
- What are you grateful for today?
Provide examples of journaling prompts to help students get started. Encourage them to reflect on their walk and emotions.
Reflect and Share
Share your thoughts and experiences with the group.
Conclude the session by inviting students to share their experiences if they feel comfortable. Discuss the impact of journaling on their emotions.
Worksheet
Mindful Journaling Prompts
Use these prompts to guide your journaling practice. Take your time to reflect on each question and write down your thoughts and feelings. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.
1. Reflect on Your Walk
- What did you notice on your walk today? Describe the sights, sounds, and smells you experienced.
2. Current Emotions
- How do you feel right now? Try to identify and describe your emotions in detail.
3. Gratitude
- What are you grateful for today? List at least three things and explain why you are thankful for them.
4. Personal Growth
- Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience?
5. Mindfulness Reflection
- Reflect on a moment when you felt truly present. What were you doing, and how did it make you feel?
6. Future Intentions
- What is one thing you would like to focus on or improve in the coming week? How will you work towards this goal?
Take your time with each prompt and allow your thoughts to flow freely. Happy journaling!
Activity
Guided Mindfulness Walk
Objective
To engage students in a mindfulness practice that enhances their awareness of the present moment and serves as inspiration for journaling.
Instructions
-
Preparation: Before the walk, explain to students the purpose of the mindfulness walk. Encourage them to focus on their senses and the environment around them.
-
Starting the Walk:
- Begin the walk in a quiet area, such as a school garden or a nearby park.
- Ask students to walk slowly and silently, paying attention to their breathing and the sensations in their body.
-
Engaging the Senses:
- Sight: Notice the colors, shapes, and movements around you. What do you see that you haven't noticed before?
- Sound: Listen to the sounds around you. Can you hear birds, the wind, or distant voices?
- Smell: Take a deep breath and identify any scents in the air. Is there a particular smell that stands out?
- Touch: Feel the ground beneath your feet, the texture of leaves, or the breeze on your skin.
-
Reflection:
- After the walk, gather students in a circle and invite them to share one observation or feeling they experienced during the walk.
- Encourage them to use these observations as inspiration for their journaling activity.
-
Transition to Journaling:
- Lead students back to the classroom or a quiet space where they can begin their Journaling Activity.
Follow-Up
- Discuss how focusing on the present moment during the walk made them feel.
- Encourage students to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines.
Cool Down
Reflective Writing Session
Objective
To provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their journaling experience and share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
Instructions
-
Create a Safe Space:
- Arrange the classroom in a circle to promote open communication and inclusivity.
- Remind students that sharing is voluntary and that they should respect each other's privacy and feelings.
-
Reflective Writing:
- Ask students to take a few minutes to write down their thoughts about the journaling activity.
- Encourage them to consider how the activity made them feel and any insights they gained.
-
Sharing Session:
- Invite students to share their reflections with the group if they feel comfortable.
- Encourage active listening and positive feedback from peers.
-
Group Discussion:
- Facilitate a discussion on the impact of mindful journaling on their emotions and mental well-being.
- Ask questions like:
- How did journaling help you process your thoughts?
- Did you notice any changes in your mood or perspective?
-
Closing Remarks:
- Thank students for their participation and openness.
- Encourage them to continue journaling as a regular practice for mindfulness and emotional health.
Follow-Up
- Suggest students keep a journal at home and use it to explore their thoughts and emotions regularly.
- Remind them of the benefits of mindfulness and how it can be integrated into their daily lives.