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Mindful Moments

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments

Students will be able to identify sources of gratitude in their lives and express appreciation to others, cultivating a sense of gratitude and strengthening social connections.

Cultivating gratitude and strong social connections can significantly improve students' well-being, resilience, and overall happiness. Learning to appreciate positive aspects of life and others fosters a more positive outlook.

Audience

Elementary and Middle School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and reflective journaling.

Materials

Mindful Moments Slide Deck, Gratitude Scavenger Hunt Activity, Gratitude Journal Prompt, Pens/Pencils, and Paper or individual journals

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Gratitude?

5-10 minutes

  • Begin with Mindful Moments Slide Deck Slide 1-2.
  • Ask students: "What does it mean to be grateful?"
  • Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts.

Step 2

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

15-20 minutes

  • Introduce the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt Activity using Mindful Moments Slide Deck Slide 3.
  • Explain the instructions for the scavenger hunt.
  • Divide students into small groups or have them work individually.
  • Allow time for students to complete the scavenger hunt, moving around the classroom or school environment (if appropriate and supervised).

Step 3

Share and Discuss

10 minutes

  • Bring students back together. Use Mindful Moments Slide Deck Slide 4.
  • Have groups or individuals share some of the items they found during their scavenger hunt.
  • Discuss common themes and unique discoveries. Emphasize that gratitude can be found in small, everyday things.

Step 4

Journaling: Expressing Gratitude

10-15 minutes

  • Introduce the Gratitude Journal Prompt using Mindful Moments Slide Deck Slide 5.
  • Provide students with paper or direct them to their journals.
  • Instruct them to write about something they are grateful for and why, encouraging them to think about how they can express that gratitude to someone else.
  • Allow quiet time for reflection and writing.

Step 5

Wrap-up and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Conclude with Mindful Moments Slide Deck Slide 6.
  • Ask students to share one new thing they learned about gratitude or connection.
  • Reinforce the idea of practicing gratitude regularly.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mindful Moments!

Today, we're going to explore:

  • What makes us feel grateful?
  • How can we connect with others?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of 'Mindful Moments.' Briefly explain that today's lesson is about thinking about the good things in our lives and the people we care about. Ask students to settle in and get ready to focus.

What is Gratitude?

It's a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

What are some things you are grateful for?

Prompt students with the question and encourage a few volunteers to share their initial thoughts. Guide the discussion to include both tangible and intangible things.

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt!

Let's find things around us that make us feel grateful!

Instructions:

  1. Look for things that bring you joy or make your life better.
  2. You can look at objects, people (from a distance!), or even think about actions.
  3. Be ready to share what you found!

Explain the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt activity. Provide clear instructions and set expectations for moving around the room. Emphasize looking for small, everyday things.

Share Your Gratitude Finds!

What did you find that you're grateful for?

Let's hear some of your discoveries!

Facilitate a sharing session. Encourage students to listen respectfully to their peers. Highlight the diversity of what people are grateful for and the commonalities.

Your Gratitude Journal

Now, let's take a moment to write.

Prompt: Think about someone or something you are truly grateful for. Write about why you are grateful for them and how you might express your appreciation.

Introduce the concept of a gratitude journal. Explain that this is a time for personal reflection and expressing appreciation. Encourage thoughtful responses.

Keep the Gratitude Going!

Remember to notice the good things every day.

How can you show appreciation to others?

Let's keep our mindful moments alive!

Conclude the lesson by summarizing key takeaways. Reiterate the importance of practicing gratitude and appreciating connections. Thank students for their participation.

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Activity

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt!

Sometimes, the best things are right in front of us! Let's go on a hunt to find things that make us feel grateful.

Instructions:

  1. Look around your classroom or the immediate area.
  2. Find at least five things (objects, sounds, ideas, or even people you see from a distance!) that you are grateful for.
  3. Write down what you found and why you are grateful for it.
  4. Be ready to share your discoveries!

My Gratitude Finds:

  1. I am grateful for:



    Because:





  2. I am grateful for:



    Because:





  3. I am grateful for:



    Because:





  4. I am grateful for:



    Because:





  5. I am grateful for:



    Because:





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Journal

My Gratitude Journal

Take a few quiet moments to reflect on something truly special.

Journal Prompt:

Think about someone or something in your life that you are really grateful for. It could be a person, a pet, a special place, a talent you have, or even a small everyday comfort (like a warm blanket or a sunny day!).

  1. Who or what are you grateful for?











  2. Why are you grateful for them/it? What impact do they/it have on your life?











  3. How could you show your appreciation to this person or for this thing? What specific action could you take or words could you say?











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