Mindful May Reflections

bbeldenscott

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful May Reflections Lesson Plan

Guide 7th and 8th grade students through reflective writing and self-expression activities focusing on mindfulness, self-awareness, and gratitude as they conclude the school year.

This lesson helps students consolidate a month of experiences, encouraging them to practice mindfulness and recognize personal growth, fostering a positive mindset for future challenges.

Audience

Middle School Students (7th and 8th Grade)

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Structured reflective writing and guided group discussion.

Materials

Mindful May Reflections Slide Deck, and Mindful May Reflections Journal

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Mindful May Reflections Lesson Plan in detail.
Familiarize yourself with the slide deck and journal materials.
Prepare classroom space for both individual reflection and group discussion.

Step 1

Introduction and Mindfulness Warm-Up

10 minutes

Begin with a brief mindfulness exercise to focus attention.
Introduce the concept of reflective writing and its benefits.
Use part of the Mindful May Reflections Slide Deck to outline the session.

Step 2

Reflective Writing Activity

20 minutes

Distribute the Mindful May Reflections Journal to each student.
Prompt students to write about one significant experience from the past month and identify personal growth moments.
Encourage them to include gratitude and mindfulness reflections.

Step 3

Group Discussion and Sharing

10 minutes

Invite students to voluntarily share their reflections with the class.
Facilitate a discussion on how mindfulness and self-awareness can influence daily life.
Reinforce the positive impacts of gratitude.

Step 4

Wrap-Up

5 minutes

Summarize the key points from the session.
Encourage students to continue practicing mindfulness beyond the classroom.
Provide guidance on optional further reflective exercises.

Slide Deck

Mindful May Reflections

A journey of self-awareness and gratitude as we conclude our school year.

Welcome slide to introduce the session. Emphasize the importance of reflective thinking and mindfulness. Mention that today, the focus is on reflecting on personal growth and gratitude over the past month.

Objectives & Overview

• Reflecting on personal growth
• Expressing gratitude
• Engaging in mindful self-awareness

Let's begin our reflection journey.

Explain today's objectives briefly. Highlight the use of reflective writing and group discussion. Guide students to be open and honest with their reflections.

Mindfulness Warm-Up

Take a deep breath. Focus on the present moment. Let's set our intentions for today’s reflective journey.

Details for the mindfulness warm-up activity. Instruct the students to settle down and focus on the guided mindfulness exercise.

Reflective Writing Activity

Use your journals to write about one significant experience from the past month. Reflect on the challenges and moments of growth, and note what you are grateful for.

Introduce the reflective writing part. The teacher should now prompt students to use the provided journal, consider a significant experience from the past month, and include their personal growth and gratitude reflections.

Group Discussion

Who would like to share their reflections? Let’s discuss how mindfulness has impacted our daily lives and personal growth.

Move into the group discussion phase. Encourage voluntary sharing and ensure a supportive atmosphere. Reinforce that all reflections are valuable.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Thank you for sharing and participating. Keep practicing mindfulness and gratitude in your day-to-day life!

Conclude the session. Summarize the discussion, remind students of the importance of ongoing mindfulness practice, and thank them for their openness.

Journal

Mindful May Reflections Journal

Welcome to your Mindful May Reflections Journal! This is your personal space to explore your experiences, thoughts, and feelings from the past month. Use this journal to reflect on your growth, moments of gratitude, and mindful experiences. Take your time with each prompt, and let your thoughts flow freely.

Reflection on the Past Month

Think back over the past month. What is one significant experience that stands out to you? Describe the event and explain why it was meaningful in your life.

Personal Growth and Mindfulness

Consider the challenges you faced and the lessons you learned. How have these experiences helped you grow as a person? Reflect on any moments where you practiced mindfulness or felt more aware of your inner self.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

Gratitude can transform your perspective. Write about at least three things you are grateful for this month. They can be big or small—what matters is that they brought a positive impact to your life.

Looking Forward

As you conclude this school year, what are your hopes or intentions for the future? You might set personal goals or think about how you can continue practicing mindfulness in your daily life.

Take your time with these reflections. Your thoughts are important, and this is a safe space to express yourself. Happy writing!