Mindful Moments: Exploring Mental Health

Kathleen Anne Cerdena

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Exploring Mental Health

Cultivate awareness and emotional regulation

In this lesson, students will engage in guided meditation and reflection activities to explore mental health concepts. The lesson aims to cultivate awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for students' overall well-being and academic success. By learning to manage their emotions, students can improve their focus, reduce stress, and enhance their interpersonal relationships.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Cultivate awareness and emotional regulation

Materials

Guided Meditation Script, Reflection Worksheet, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what mental health means.
Explain the importance of being aware of our emotions and how it affects our daily lives.
Introduce the concept of mindfulness as a tool for emotional regulation.

Step 2

Guided Meditation

10 mins

Lead the students through a guided meditation using the provided script.
Encourage students to focus on their breathing and observe their thoughts without judgment.
Allow students to find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.

Step 3

Reflection Activity

10 mins

Distribute the Reflection Worksheet to each student.
Ask students to write down their thoughts and feelings experienced during the meditation.
Encourage them to reflect on how mindfulness can help them in their daily lives.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Facilitate a group discussion using the provided questions.
Encourage students to share their experiences and insights from the meditation and reflection activities.
Summarize the key points discussed and reinforce the importance of mindfulness for mental health.

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Reading

Guided Meditation Script

This script will guide students through a calming meditation exercise to help them focus and relax.

Guided Meditation Script

Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
Close your eyes gently and take a deep breath in through your nose.
Hold your breath for a moment, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
Continue to breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on the sensation of your breath.
As you breathe, notice any thoughts that come to mind. Acknowledge them without judgment and let them pass.
Bring your attention back to your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your chest.
Continue this practice for a few minutes, allowing yourself to relax and be present in the moment.
When you're ready, gently open your eyes and bring your awareness back to the room.

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet will help students reflect on their meditation experience and its impact on their emotions.

Describe how you felt before and after the meditation.

What thoughts or feelings did you notice during the meditation?

How can mindfulness help you in your daily life?

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions will guide a group discussion to help students share their experiences and insights from the lesson.

What did you notice about your thoughts and feelings during the meditation?

Encourage students to share specific observations and how they felt.

How did the meditation affect your mood or stress levels?

Discuss any changes in mood or stress and relate it to the benefits of mindfulness.

In what ways can you use mindfulness in your daily routine?

Explore practical applications of mindfulness in school, home, and social settings.