Mindful Moments: Gratitude & Reflection

Joleen Shillingford

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Gratitude & Reflection

Fun cool down/mindfulness activities

This lesson focuses on mindfulness and gratitude through engaging activities and a guided meditation video. Students will participate in experiential and game-based learning to explore mindfulness practices, fostering a sense of appreciation and well-being. This lesson is important as it helps students develop emotional regulation and self-awareness, crucial skills for their overall mental health and academic success.

Audience

5-8th Grade Boys

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Blended Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

5 Minute Meditation: Gratitude Video, Discussion Questions, Mindfulness Activity Worksheet, Exit Ticket, Answer Key, Icebreaker Gratitude Questions, Ball or Object for Pass the Ball Activity, and Gratitude Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction & Icebreaker

10 mins

Welcome students and explain the purpose of the lesson: to relax and reflect after their assessments.
Briefly introduce the concept of mindfulness and gratitude.
Conduct the 'Pass the Ball' activity: Students sit in a circle and pass a ball around while music plays. When the music stops, the student holding the ball answers a gratitude-themed question from the provided list.

Step 2

Guided Meditation Video

10 mins

Play the 5 Minute Meditation: Gratitude video.
Encourage students to find a comfortable position and follow along with the meditation.

Step 3

Mindful Breathing Exercise

10 mins

Guide students through a mindful breathing exercise: Instruct them to sit comfortably, close their eyes, and focus on their breath. Encourage them to notice the sensation of the breath entering and leaving their body.
Discuss how this practice can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Step 4

Mindful Listening Activity

10 mins

Conduct a mindful listening activity: Play a short piece of calming music or nature sounds.
Ask students to focus on the sounds, noticing any details they might not usually pay attention to.
Discuss how mindful listening can enhance focus and awareness.

Step 5

Mindfulness Activity

10 mins

Distribute the Mindfulness Activity Worksheet.
Guide students through a collaborative activity where they create a gratitude tree, writing down things they are grateful for on leaves.
Allow students to share their contributions and discuss the importance of gratitude.

Step 6

Group Discussion

5 mins

Organize students into small groups to discuss their gratitude trees and what they learned from the activity.
Encourage each group to share a summary of their discussion with the class.

Step 7

Exit Ticket

5 mins

Hand out the Exit Ticket for students to complete.
Collect responses to assess their understanding and reflections on the lesson.

Step 8

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice mindfulness and gratitude in their daily lives.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Gratitude Reflection Discussion

A discussion to reflect on the meditation experience and explore the concept of gratitude.

What sensations did you notice during the meditation?

Encourage students to describe physical sensations and emotional responses.

How did focusing on gratitude make you feel?

Guide students to explore feelings of appreciation and well-being.

Why is it important to practice gratitude?

Discuss the benefits of gratitude for mental health and relationships.

Worksheet

Mindfulness Activity Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students through a mindfulness activity focused on gratitude.

List three things you are grateful for today.

Think about people, experiences, or things that make you happy.

Describe how practicing gratitude can improve your mood.

Consider how gratitude affects your thoughts and feelings.

Draw a picture of your gratitude tree and label the leaves with things you are grateful for.

Be creative and think about what each leaf represents.

Quiz

Mindfulness Reflection Exit Ticket

Answer Key

Mindfulness Reflection Answer Key

The answer key for the Mindfulness Reflection Exit Ticket, providing correct answers and explanations.

What is one thing you learned about mindfulness today?

It's about focusing on the present
Mindfulness involves being present and aware of the current moment.

How can gratitude help you in your daily life?

It makes you more aware of what you have
Gratitude helps you appreciate what you have, enhancing your well-being.

Worksheet

Icebreaker Gratitude Questions

A set of printable cards with gratitude-themed questions to use as an icebreaker activity.

What is something you are grateful for today?

Who is someone you appreciate and why?

What is a recent experience that made you feel thankful?

What is a place that makes you feel happy and grateful?

What is a skill or talent you are grateful to have?

Worksheet

Gratitude for 2024 Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on what they are grateful for in the year 2024.

What are three things you are looking forward to in 2024 that you are grateful for?

Think about upcoming events, opportunities, or personal goals.

Who are the people you are grateful to have in your life in 2024?

Consider family, friends, teachers, or mentors.

Describe a goal you have for 2024 and why you are grateful for the opportunity to pursue it.

Reflect on how this goal aligns with your values and aspirations.

Worksheet

General Gratitude Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on their current feelings of gratitude.

What are three things you are grateful for right now?

Consider aspects of your life that bring you joy and contentment.

How does expressing gratitude make you feel?

Think about the emotional impact of gratitude on your mood.

Write a thank you note to someone who has made a positive impact on your life.

Express your appreciation and explain why you are grateful for them.