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Mindful Minds: Executive Functioning

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Minds: Executive Functioning

Introduction to mental health

This lesson introduces 5th graders to the concept of mental health, focusing on executive functioning and practices to maintain mental well-being. Students will engage in collaborative and active learning activities to understand the importance of mental health and how to support it through exercises and practices. This lesson is crucial as it helps students develop awareness and strategies to manage their mental health, aligning with ASCA standards and mindsets.

Audience

5th graders

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Collaborative Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet on Executive Functioning, Exit Ticket, and Video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief explanation of mental health and its importance.
  • Introduce the concept of executive functioning and how it relates to mental health.

Step 2

Collaborative Activity

10 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a scenario related to executive functioning (e.g., planning a project, managing time).
  • Ask groups to discuss and come up with strategies to handle the scenario effectively.

Step 3

Class Discussion

10 mins

  • Watch the video on emotional regulation.
  • Use the discussion questions to guide a class conversation about mental health and executive functioning.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and strategies from the group activity.
  • Discuss practices for maintaining good mental health, such as mindfulness, exercise, and healthy routines.

Step 4

Closure and Exit Ticket

5 mins

  • Summarize key points from the lesson, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good mental health through regular practices.
  • Distribute the exit ticket for students to complete, reflecting on what they learned about mental health and executive functioning.
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Discussion

Mental Health and Executive Functioning Discussion

A guided discussion to explore students' understanding of mental health and executive functioning.

What is mental health and why is it important?

Encourage students to think about mental health as part of overall well-being, similar to physical health.







How does executive functioning help us in our daily lives?

Discuss examples like planning, organizing, and managing time.







What are some practices we can adopt to maintain good mental health?

Guide students to think about mindfulness, exercise, and healthy routines.







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Worksheet

Executive Functioning Worksheet

A worksheet to help students identify and understand executive functioning skills.

List three executive functioning skills and describe how they help you in school.








Think of a time when you used executive functioning skills. What was the situation and what skills did you use?








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