Lesson Plan
Mindful Moments Lesson Plan
Students will learn and practice foundational mindfulness techniques to enhance their ability to focus and regulate emotions effectively in various situations.
Mindfulness helps students navigate the pressures of high school by providing tools to reduce stress, improve concentration, and foster emotional resilience, leading to better academic and personal outcomes.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through guided practice and reflective discussion.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Mindful Moments Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Read through the Mindful Breathing Activity Guide to prepare for leading the exercise.
- Prepare copies of the Mindful Moments Discussion Prompts if preferred for small groups, or prepare to project them.
- Review the Mindful Moments Warm-Up and Mindful Moments Cool Down.
- Ensure a calm and quiet environment for the mindfulness activity.
- Arrange desks or chairs to facilitate small group discussions.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Mind Check-In
5 minutes
- Begin with the Mindful Moments Warm-Up activity.
2. Ask students to silently reflect on their current mental state or share one word describing how they feel.
Step 2
Introduction to Mindfulness
5 minutes
- Use the first few slides of the Mindful Moments Slide Deck to introduce the concept of mindfulness.
2. Discuss what mindfulness is and its potential benefits for 9th-grade students.
Step 3
Guided Mindfulness Practice
10 minutes
- Lead students through the guided breathing exercise from the Mindful Breathing Activity Guide.
2. Encourage students to find a comfortable position and focus on their breath.
Step 4
Small Group Discussion & Reflection
7 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
2. Provide each group with the Mindful Moments Discussion Prompts.
3. Facilitate a brief group discussion where students can share their experiences and insights from the mindfulness activity.
Step 5
Cool Down: One-Word Reflection
3 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Mindful Moments Cool Down activity.
2. Ask students to share one word that describes how they feel after the lesson or one new thing they learned about mindfulness.
Slide Deck
Mindful Moments: Find Your Calm
Tools for Focus & Calm in High School Life!
Welcome students and set a calm tone. Briefly introduce the topic of mindfulness and its relevance to their lives.
What is Mindfulness?
• Paying attention to the present moment
• Noticing thoughts, feelings, and sensations
• Without judgment
• It's like hitting the 'pause' button for your brain!
Define mindfulness simply. Emphasize that it's about paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Why Practice Mindfulness?
• Stress Reduction: Calm your mind before tests or big events.
• Improved Focus: Concentrate better in class and on homework.
• Emotional Regulation: Understand and manage your feelings.
• Better Relationships: Listen more effectively and respond thoughtfully.
Discuss why mindfulness is a valuable skill for 9th graders. Connect it to common challenges they face.
Let's Practice: Mindful Breathing
• Find a comfortable seated position.
• Close your eyes gently or soften your gaze.
• Bring your attention to your breath.
• Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your body.
(See Mindful Breathing Activity Guide for full instructions)
Introduce the upcoming activity. Explain that it's a simple breathing exercise.
Time to Reflect: Group Discussion
In your small groups, discuss:
1. What did you notice during the mindful breathing exercise?
2. Was it easy or challenging to keep your focus?
3. How do you think practicing mindfulness could help you in your daily life (e.g., at school, at home, with friends)?
(See Mindful Moments Discussion Prompts for more prompts)
Explain that after the activity, they will discuss their experiences in small groups. Display these questions.
Your Mindful Toolkit
• Mindfulness is a skill that gets stronger with practice.
• You can use mindful breathing anytime, anywhere.
• It's a personal tool to help you feel more calm and focused.
• Try practicing for just a few minutes each day!
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage continued practice.
Warm Up
Mind Check-In
Instructions: Take a moment to check in with yourself. On a scale of 1-5, how are you feeling right now? (1 = super stressed, 5 = totally chill).
Then, in one word, describe something that is currently occupying your mind. It could be a thought, a feeling, or something you're looking forward to.
Activity
Guided Mindful Breathing Activity
Teacher Script/Instructions:
"Welcome, everyone. For this next part, we're going to try a simple mindful breathing exercise. The goal isn't to clear your mind completely, but rather to gently bring your attention to your breath as an anchor to the present moment. If your mind wanders, that's perfectly normal – just gently guide your attention back to your breath."
"Find a comfortable position in your chair. You can sit with your feet flat on the floor, your back straight but relaxed. Rest your hands comfortably in your lap or on your thighs."
"If you feel comfortable, you can gently close your eyes. If not, you can simply soften your gaze and look downwards at a spot in front of you without focusing on anything in particular. This helps to reduce distractions and turn your attention inward."
"Now, bring your attention to your breath. You don't need to change it or breathe in any special way. Just notice the natural rhythm of your breathing."
"Feel the air as it enters your body... perhaps through your nose, or the back of your throat... and as it leaves your body."
"Notice how your belly or chest rises and falls with each breath. It's like a gentle wave, rising and falling."
"If your mind starts to wander, that's okay. Thoughts will come and go. When you notice your mind has drifted, simply acknowledge the thought, and then gently bring your attention back to the sensation of your breath. There's no need to judge yourself, just a gentle return."
"Continue to breathe naturally, observing each inhale and exhale for a few more moments. Notice the coolness of the air as you breathe in, and the warmth as you breathe out."
"Allow yourself to be fully present with each breath."
"After a few more breaths, when you're ready, you can gently open your eyes or lift your gaze. Take a moment to reorient yourself to the room."
"How does your body feel? How does your mind feel?"
Discussion
Small Group Discussion & Reflection
Discuss the following questions in your small groups. Be respectful of each other's experiences and listen actively.
- What was it like to focus solely on your breath for a few minutes? What did you notice, both physically and mentally?
- Was it easy or challenging to keep your focus? What thoughts or feelings, if any, distracted you?
- Can you think of a specific situation in your daily life (e.g., before a test, during an argument, when feeling overwhelmed) where practicing mindful breathing might be helpful?
- What's one thing you learned or an insight you gained about your own mind or body during this activity?
- How might you incorporate short 'mindful moments' into your routine outside of school?
Cool Down
Cool Down: One Word, One Thought
Instructions:
-
One Word Check-in: In one word, describe how you feel now after our mindfulness lesson. Focus on the most prominent feeling or sensation.
-
One Takeaway: What is one new idea or strategy about mindfulness that you are considering trying or remembering? (e.g.,