Mindful Check-in

Take a moment to simply notice how you are feeling right now. There's no right or wrong answer, just observe.

In one word, how are you feeling today?

What is one physical sensation you are noticing in your body?

What is one thought that is currently in your mind?

Your Inner Calm Jar: An Artistic Reflection

Imagine your mind is like a clear glass jar. Sometimes, when you have a lot going on (stress, excitement, worries, busy thoughts), it's like someone shook up the jar, and all the glitter and colors are swirling around, making it hard to see clearly.

Mindfulness is like letting the jar sit still. Slowly, the glitter settles, and the water becomes clear again, allowing you to see things more calmly.

Your Task:

On your paper, create a visual representation of your calm, mindful jar.

Think about and illustrate the following:

1. What colors represent your calm? (e.g., cool blues, soft greens, gentle purples)
   
   
   
   
2. What images or symbols represent peace and clarity to you? (e.g., a still lake, a clear sky, a quiet forest, a favorite calming object)
   
   
   
   
3. What words or phrases would you write inside your settled jar to remind yourself of peace and focus? (e.g.,

Mindful Reflection: One Word & One Takeaway

Take a final moment to reflect on today's mindfulness lesson and activity.

In one word, how do you feel after our mindfulness practice today?

What is one new thing you learned or one takeaway you will remember about mindfulness?

Mindful Moments: Breathe & Be - Teacher Script

Warm-Up: Mindful Check-in (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Let's start our day with a quick check-in. On the board, you'll see a 'Mindful Check-in Warm Up.' Take a moment to silently read the prompts and reflect on them. Just notice what comes up for you right now."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for students to reflect.)

Teacher: "Now, I'd like to invite a few brave souls to share. In just one word, how are you feeling today? There's no right or wrong answer, just an honest check-in." (Call on 3-4 students. Acknowledge their responses without judgment.)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. It's good to just notice where we are."

Introduction to Mindfulness (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to explore something that can be incredibly helpful for all of us, especially in 8th grade: Mindfulness! Take a look at our first slide in the Mindful Moments Slide Deck."

(Display Slide 1: Welcome to Mindful Moments!)

Teacher: "Mindfulness is a buzzword you might have heard, but what does it really mean? Let's check out the next slide."

(Display Slide 2: What is Mindfulness?)

Teacher: "Simply put, mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment. It's not about clearing your mind completely, but about noticing what's happening right now, whether it's sounds, feelings, or thoughts, without getting carried away by them."

Teacher: "Think of it like this: Sometimes we 'hear' music in the background, but mindfulness is like really listening to your favorite song, noticing every instrument and lyric. It's being fully engaged in what you're doing, even if it's just eating a snack or walking to class."

Teacher: "So, why is this important for you? Why would an 8th grader need mindfulness? Let's look at the next slide."

(Display Slide 3: Why is Mindfulness Awesome for YOU?)

Teacher: "As 8th graders, you have a lot on your plates – schoolwork, friendships, preparing for high school, and just figuring things out. Mindfulness can be like a superpower for managing all of that. It can help you feel less stressed, focus better in class, understand your emotions, and even get better sleep. It's about building mental strength and calm."

Guided Breathing Practice (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's try a quick practice. This is often called 'mindful breathing,' and it's a core part of mindfulness. Look at our next slide."

(Display Slide 4: Let's Practice: Mindful Breathing)

Teacher: "I invite you to find a comfortable position in your seat. Sit upright but relaxed, with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting gently in your lap or on your desk. If you feel comfortable, you can gently close your eyes, or just soften your gaze by looking down at your desk."

Teacher: "Now, bring your attention to your breath. Don't try to change it, just notice it. Feel the air as it enters your body... and as it leaves your body. Where do you feel it most? Maybe in your nose, your chest, or your belly? Just notice."

(Pause for 15-20 seconds.)

Teacher: "It's totally normal for your mind to wander. When you notice your thoughts drifting off – maybe to what you're having for lunch, or something that happened earlier – that's perfectly okay. Just gently, without judgment, bring your attention back to the sensation of your breath."

(Pause for 30-45 seconds.)

Teacher: "Take one more deep, mindful breath in... and out. And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes or lift your gaze."

Teacher: "How did that feel? Even just a minute or two of focusing on your breath can make a difference."

Activity: Mindful Jar Creation (10 minutes)

Teacher: "We're going to do an activity now that helps us visualize what happens in our minds when we practice mindfulness. Turn your attention to the next slide."

(Display Slide 5: Your Mindful Jar)

Teacher: "Imagine your mind is like a jar of glitter water. When you're busy, stressed, or have a lot of thoughts, it's like the glitter is all swirling around, making it cloudy. But when you practice mindfulness, like we just did with our breathing, it allows the glitter – your thoughts and feelings – to slowly settle, bringing clarity and calm."

Teacher: "Today, you'll create a drawing or writing piece representing your calm, mindful jar. You have an Mindful Jar Activity Guide on your desks. Let's look at the instructions on the next slide."

(Display Slide 6: Mindful Jar Activity: Create!)

Teacher: "I've provided paper and some drawing/coloring supplies. Your task is to draw or write about what your calm, mindful jar looks like. Think about what colors would represent your calm, what images or symbols bring you peace, and any words or phrases you'd put in your settled jar as a reminder."

Teacher: "There's no right or wrong way to do this. This is your personal creative expression of calm. You have about 8 minutes for this activity. Let your creativity flow and find your calm space."

(Distribute materials if not already done. Circulate and provide gentle guidance. Give a 2-minute warning.)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, start to wrap up your creations. You can finish these later if you like."

Cool Down: Mindful Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson, let's do a quick 'Mindful Reflection Cool Down.' This is like an exit ticket for your thoughts. You'll find it on the board/projected."

(Display the Mindful Reflection Cool Down.)

Teacher: "First, think of one word that describes how you feel after our mindfulness practice and activity today. Has anything shifted?"

(Pause.)

Teacher: "And finally, what is one new thing you learned or one takeaway you will remember about mindfulness from our session? You can jot this down or just keep it in mind."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for silent reflection.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for participating so thoughtfully today. Remember, mindfulness is a skill, and the more you practice, the stronger it gets. Even short moments of mindful breathing can make a big difference. You've got this!"

(Display Slide 7: Keep Being Mindful!)

Teacher: "Have a mindful rest of your day!"