Mindful Meanderings

Kristie Deyoe

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Meanderings Lesson Plan

Guide K-2 students through a sensory mindfulness journey that heightens their awareness of scents, sounds, and sights, fostering emotional regulation and mindfulness.

This lesson helps students develop mindfulness techniques, increasing sensory awareness and promoting emotional balance at an early age.

Audience

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

Time

30-45 minutes

Approach

Sensory exploration with guided reflections.

Materials

Mindful Meanderings Lesson Plan, Printed sensory prompts, Outdoor or classroom safe space, and Optional: Audio device for nature sounds

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Review the Mindful Meanderings Lesson Plan for detailed guidance.
Set up a safe, quiet environment whether indoors or outdoors.
Prepare sensory prompt cards focusing on different senses (sights, sounds, scents).
Test any audio equipment to ensure smooth playback of sounds if used.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Briefly explain the concept of mindfulness and sensory exploration in simple terms.
Ask students about their favorite sounds, sights, and smells to engage them right away.

Step 2

Sensory Journey

20 minutes

Lead the students on a slow, guided walk around the room or outdoors.
Prompt them to notice and describe what they see, hear, and smell using prepared prompting questions.
Encourage quiet observation and gentle discussion, emphasizing calmness and focus.

Step 3

Reflection

10 minutes

Bring students back together for a group discussion.
Ask students how they felt during the exploration and what sensory details stood out.
Reinforce mindfulness by highlighting moments of calm and clarity shared by students.

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Slide Deck

Mindful Meanderings

A sensory mindfulness journey

Let's explore together!

Welcome the students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today's journey will help us explore the sounds, sights, and smells around us to become more mindful.

Introduction

• What is mindfulness?
• How do our senses help us experience the world?

Feel free to share your favorite sensory experiences.

Introduce the lesson by explaining what mindfulness is and how each sense plays a role in our experiences. Ask students to share examples of their favorite sounds, sights, and smells to make the session interactive.

Sensory Journey

• Look around carefully
• Listen to the ambient sounds
• Notice different scents

Remember to stay calm and observe quietly.

Guide the students as you lead them on a sensory exploration. Instruct the class to move slowly, notice each sense attentively, and think about each description carefully.

Reflection

• How did this journey make you feel?
• What sensory details stood out?
• Share a moment you found particularly calming.

After the journey, gather students for a reflective discussion. Ask open-ended questions about what they experienced and felt during the exploration. Highlight positive observations and moments of calm.

Activity

Sensory Exploration Activity

This activity invites students to take a slow, guided walk—either around the classroom or outside—to explore the world using their senses. The main focus of the activity is to help students notice sights, sounds, and scents, and to encourage them to share their observations in a calm and thoughtful way.

Instructions

Preparation:
- Ensure the area is safe for a walk, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Read through the sensory prompt cards prepared in advance, which focus on different senses (sights, sounds, and scents).
- Set a calm, quiet atmosphere by reducing distractions and, if available, playing soft nature sounds in the background.
Guided Walk:
- Begin by reminding students to walk slowly and quietly to be respectful of their own and others' senses.
- Ask questions such as:
  - What do you see that is colorful or interesting?
  - Can you hear something that makes you smile or feel calm?
  - Is there a smell that makes you feel happy or excited?
- Encourage students to quietly observe and think about these sensations as they walk.
Reflection and Sharing:
- After the walk, bring the students together in a circle for a short discussion.
- Ask open-ended questions such as:
  - How did focusing on your senses make you feel?
  - What was your favorite part of the walk?
  - Did you notice something new that you hadn’t before?
- Allow each child a moment to share their thoughts and listen to others.

Follow-Up Questions

How do you feel when you notice different sounds, smells, and sights?
Can you share a moment today when something made you feel peaceful?
What is one new thing you discovered during your sensory exploration?

Extension Ideas (Optional)

Draw Your Journey: After the discussion, ask students to draw a picture of something interesting they observed during the walk.
Sensory Journal: Encourage students to start a small journal where they can draw or write (with help) about their sensory experiences in the future.