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Mindful Moments: Breathing Space

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Breathing Space Lesson Plan

Students will learn mindfulness techniques to create personal breathing spaces that help reduce stress and manage emotions through focused, intentional activities.

This lesson helps students develop self-regulation, stress reduction, and emotional management skills that are essential for their academic and personal growth.

Audience

Grade 6 Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and guided practice.

Materials

Mindful Moments: Breathing Space Lesson Plan, Mindful Moments Slide Deck, and Mindful Moments Activity Guide

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Mindfulness

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of mindfulness and breathing spaces.
  • Discuss the benefits of short mindfulness practices and stress reduction.
  • Ask guiding questions to assess students' prior knowledge about mindfulness.

Step 2

Creating Personal Breathing Spaces

15 minutes

  • Explain how students can create a personalized 'breathing space' in the classroom.
  • Use the Mindful Moments Slide Deck to illustrate the process.
  • Encourage students to note ideas on paper for their individual spaces.

Step 3

Guided Mindfulness Exercise

15 minutes

  • Lead the class through a guided mindfulness exercise using deep breathing techniques.
  • Instruct students to focus on their breath and relax their minds.
  • Monitor and support students, ensuring everyone is engaged.

Step 4

Debrief and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a brief discussion on how students felt during the exercise.
  • Invite students to share their experiences and discuss the potential benefits of this practice.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mindful Moments

Today we will learn about creating personal breathing spaces to help manage stress and emotions.

Introduce the concept of mindfulness and explain what a 'breathing space' is. Ask students if they have ever felt overwhelmed and needed a break.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps us calm our minds and reduce stress.

Explain the basics of mindfulness and why it is important. Encourage students to share any experiences they have had with mindfulness or taking a break.

Creating Your Breathing Space

Think of a quiet corner or a special place in your mind where you feel safe and relaxed. Write down ideas to set up your own breathing space.

Describe the idea of creating a personal breathing space. Use visuals to explain the steps. Mention that these spaces help in calming the mind.

Guided Mindfulness Exercise

Take a deep breath in... and slowly let it out. Let's do this together for a few cycles.

Lead the students step-by-step in a guided mindfulness exercise focusing on deep breathing. Encourage slow, mindful breaths.

Debrief & Reflection

How did you feel during the exercise?
What do you think are the benefits of using your own breathing space?

Facilitate a brief discussion on the exercise. Encourage students to share how they felt during the exercise and any observations they made.

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Activity

Mindful Moments: Breathing Space - Activity Guide

Welcome, Grade 6 students! Today, you will create your own personal "breathing space." This is a special space you can think about during your day whenever you need a moment to relax and refocus.

Activity Overview

In this activity, you will:

  • Explore what a breathing space means to you.
  • Use your creativity to design your own breathing space.
  • Reflect on how this space can help you manage stress and emotions.

Remember: There are no right or wrong answers – this is your personal space!

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Breathing Space

  1. Think of a Place: Imagine a quiet, calming spot. It could be a corner in your home, a spot in nature, or even a place in your mind.
  2. List Ideas: On a piece of paper, write down or draw ideas about what your space might include. Consider items like a comfortable chair, soft music, calming colors, or even nature elements.




Step 2: Create Your Breathing Space

  1. Design Your Space: Use drawings, words, or both to design your breathing space. Think about what colors, objects, and feelings you want to include.
  2. Materials: You may use any art supplies available, such as crayons, markers, paper, or digital tools, if available.







Step 3: Reflection

Once you have created your breathing space, answer the following questions:

  • How does this space make you feel?





  • What specific features in your space help you relax?





  • When might you visit this space during your day?





Take a moment to discuss your creation with a partner or in small groups, if you feel comfortable sharing.

Bonus: Group Discussion

As a class, we will come together to talk about our experiences. Reflect on:

  • How can having a personal breathing space help you on a stressful day?
  • What did you learn about yourself while creating this space?

Additional Resources

For more information and guidance, please review:

Enjoy your creative journey and remember to breathe deeply every time you visit your space!

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lenny