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Mindful Moments: Finding Calm

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Finding Calm

Introduce mindfulness practices

This lesson introduces students to mindfulness practices that help reduce anxiety. Students will learn breathing exercises and visualization techniques to manage stress effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to handle stress, promoting emotional well-being and enhancing focus and concentration in their daily lives.

Audience

6th-8th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Introduce mindfulness practices

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Calm music playlist, Breathing exercise handout, Visualization script, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Greet students and introduce the topic of mindfulness.
  • Explain the importance of mindfulness in managing stress and anxiety.
  • Briefly outline the activities planned for the session.

Step 2

Breathing Exercise

10 mins

  • Distribute the 'Breathing Exercise Handout' to each student.
  • Guide students through a simple breathing exercise: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts.
  • Encourage students to focus on their breath and notice how their body feels.

Step 3

Visualization Technique

10 mins

  • Play calm music in the background.
  • Read the 'Visualization Script' aloud, guiding students to imagine a peaceful place.
  • Encourage students to engage all their senses in the visualization.

Step 4

Group Discussion

10 mins

  • Use the 'Discussion Questions' to facilitate a conversation about the experience.
  • Encourage students to share how they felt during the exercises and any challenges they faced.
  • Discuss how they might use these techniques in their daily lives.

Step 5

Closure

10 mins

  • Recap the key points of the lesson.
  • Ask students to reflect on how they can incorporate mindfulness into their routines.
  • Thank students for their participation and encourage them to practice mindfulness regularly.
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Reading

Breathing Exercise Handout

A handout detailing the steps for a simple breathing exercise to help students practice mindfulness.

Breathing Exercise

  1. Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
  2. Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4.
  3. Hold: Hold your breath for a count of 4.
  4. Exhale: Breathe out slowly through your mouth for a count of 4.
  5. Repeat: Continue this cycle for a few minutes, focusing on your breath.
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Reading

Visualization Script

A script to guide students through a visualization exercise, helping them imagine a peaceful place to reduce stress.

Visualization Script

  • Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and out.
  • Imagine you are in a peaceful place, like a beach or a forest.
  • Feel the ground beneath you, the warmth of the sun, or the cool breeze.
  • Listen to the sounds around you, like waves or birds.
  • Smell the fresh air or the scent of flowers.
  • Stay in this place for a few minutes, enjoying the calmness.
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Discussion

Mindfulness Discussion Questions

Discussion questions to help students reflect on their mindfulness experience and its application in daily life.

How did you feel during the breathing exercise?

Encourage students to share their physical and emotional sensations.







What was your experience with the visualization technique?

Ask students to describe the imagery and feelings they experienced.







How can you use these mindfulness techniques in your daily life?

Discuss practical situations where mindfulness can be applied, such as before a test or when feeling stressed.







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