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Mindful Moments: Finding Focus and Calm

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Lesson Plan

Introduction to Mindfulness

Engage 5th graders in mindfulness exercises to improve focus and reduce stress, fostering better emotional regulation and concentration.

This lesson helps reduce stress and enhances concentration, enabling students to navigate daily challenges with a calmer mindset.

Audience

5th Grade Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive mindfulness exercises and guided meditation.

Materials

Introduction to Mindfulness, Mindfulness Techniques Slide-Deck, and Guided Meditation Session Activity

Prep

Lesson Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the concept of mindfulness.
  • Discuss how mindfulness can help with focus and managing emotions.
  • Use prompts to engage students in sharing what calm means to them.

Step 2

Mindfulness Techniques

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Meditation

10 minutes

  • Begin the Guided Meditation Session Activity.
  • Lead the class through breathing exercises and a short guided visualization.
  • Encourage students to note how they feel post-activity.
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Slide Deck

Mindfulness Techniques

Welcome! Today we'll explore different practices that help us stay calm, focused, and aware.

Introduce the concept of mindfulness techniques and set the context for the interactive session. Emphasize that today's focus is on exercises that can help them feel calm and focused.

Deep Breathing

  1. Sit comfortably.
  2. Inhale slowly through your nose.
  3. Exhale gently through your mouth.
    Try this several times.

Explain the breathing exercise thoroughly. Remind students to take deep breaths and let them know it's okay if it feels new or strange at first.

Body Scan

Close your eyes and focus on each part of your body, starting from your toes to your head. Notice any tension and imagine it slowly fading away.

Guide students through a simple body scan. Encourage them to notice areas of tension and relax each part gradually.

Summary & Reflection

Today we learned about deep breathing and body scan techniques. Think about which one helps you feel calm and focused.

Summarize the techniques discussed. Provide a moment for students to reflect on which technique they liked best and why it might help them.

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Activity

Guided Meditation Session

Welcome to the Guided Meditation Session! In this activity, we will explore mindfulness by practicing deep breathing and visualization techniques. This session is designed to help you feel calm, focused, and more aware of your body and mind.

Activity Instructions

  1. Get Comfortable: Find a comfortable seated position in a quiet space. Make sure you're sitting upright with your back straight but relaxed.

  2. Deep Breathing:

    • Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose.





    • Slowly exhale through your mouth.





    • Repeat this process several times. Feel your body relaxing a little more with each breath.

  3. Visualization:

    • Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, such as a quiet forest or a calm beach.





    • Picture the details: What do you see around you? What sounds do you hear? How does the air feel?

  4. Body Focus:

    • While continuing your deep breathing, gently focus on different parts of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head.





    • As you focus on each part, allow any tension to melt away.

  5. Reflection:

    • After a few minutes of guided meditation, slowly open your eyes.





    • Take a few moments to notice how you feel.
    • Write or share one word that describes your feeling after the meditation.

Follow-Up Questions

  • What was your favorite part of the guided meditation?





  • Did you notice any changes in your body as you focused on your breathing and visualization?





  • How might practicing these techniques help you in a busy or stressful moment?

Teacher's Notes

  • Ensure that the room is quiet and that students feel safe and comfortable.





  • Encourage students to listen deeply and go at their own pace.





  • After the activity, facilitate a group discussion to share experiences and feelings about the meditation session.

Enjoy your mindful moments and remember that these techniques are tools you can use anytime you need a break or a moment of calm.

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Mindful Moments: Finding Focus and Calm • Lenny Learning