Mindful Moments

Pamela Vance

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments

Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

This lesson introduces elementary students to mindfulness practices and techniques for emotional regulation. Through engaging activities such as breathing exercises and emotion identification games, students will learn how to identify and manage their emotions effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle stress and emotions, promoting better mental health and well-being.

Audience

Elementary Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

Materials

Breathing Exercise Guide, Emotion Cards, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by explaining the concept of mindfulness and why it's important for emotional regulation.
Ask students if they have ever felt overwhelmed by their emotions and how they handled it.

Step 2

Breathing Exercise

10 mins

Guide students through a simple breathing exercise using the Breathing Exercise Guide.
Encourage them to focus on their breath and notice how it makes them feel more relaxed.

Step 3

Emotion Identification Game

10 mins

Use Emotion Cards to play a game where students identify different emotions.
Discuss how recognizing emotions is the first step in managing them.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Recap the importance of mindfulness and emotional regulation.
Encourage students to practice these techniques at home and share their experiences in the next class.

Reading

Breathing Exercise Guide

A guide to help students practice mindful breathing, focusing on deep breaths to promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

Breathing Exercise Guide

Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Close Your Eyes: Gently close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose.
Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body.
Count Your Breaths: Inhale deeply, counting to four, hold for four, and exhale slowly, counting to four.
Repeat: Continue this pattern for a few minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath.

Worksheet

Emotion Cards

Printable cards featuring different emotions for students to identify and discuss during the lesson.

Happy

Sad

Angry

Excited

Scared

Calm

Frustrated

Surprised

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to facilitate a discussion on mindfulness and emotional regulation.

What is mindfulness and why is it important?

Discuss how mindfulness helps us stay present and manage our emotions.

How can breathing exercises help us when we feel overwhelmed?

Explore the calming effects of deep breathing and its role in emotional regulation.

Can you think of a time when you felt a strong emotion? How did you handle it?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and discuss different strategies for managing emotions.