Mindful Moments
Learn about and practice mindfulness
In this lesson, students will learn about mindfulness and engage in activities to help them stay present and focused. The lesson will include a guided meditation and reflective journaling, which will help students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation, contributing to their overall well-being.
Learn about and practice mindfulness
Discussion Guide, Mindfulness Journaling Worksheet, Exit Ticket Quiz, Pens or Pencils, and Paper or Notebooks
Step 1
Introduction to Mindfulness
5 mins
- Begin by explaining what mindfulness is in simple terms: paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment.
- Discuss why mindfulness is important: It helps us stay calm, focused, and aware of our feelings.
- Pose a few questions to the students: Have you ever felt your mind wandering? How did it feel when you were really focused on one thing? Let's talk about how mindfulness can help us.
Step 2
Guided Meditation
10 mins
- Tell students to find a comfortable seated position.
- Explain that you will lead them through a short, guided meditation.
- Use a gentle and soothing voice to guide students:
- Close your eyes if you feel comfortable or gaze softly at a spot in front of you.
- Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Pay attention to your breathing. Notice how it feels to breathe in and out.
- If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to focusing on your breath.
- Imagine a place where you feel calm and happy.
- Spend a few moments in that place, noticing the sights, sounds, and feelings there.
- Slowly bring attention back to the room. Wiggle fingers and toes, stretch gently, and open eyes.
Step 3
Reflective Journaling
10 mins
- Pass out the Mindfulness Journaling Worksheet.
- Explain that students will spend a few minutes writing or drawing about their meditation experience.
- Prompt them with questions from the worksheet: How did you feel during the meditation? What did you notice? Where was your special place?
- Allow students to find a quiet spot to complete their journaling.
- Circulate and offer support as needed.
Step 4
Discussion and Sharing
3 mins
- Gather students back in a circle.
- Invite students to share their journaling reflections if they feel comfortable.
- Encourage them to listen respectfully to each other.
Step 5
Exit Ticket Quiz
2 mins
- Hand out the Exit Ticket Quiz.
- Explain that this is a quick way for you to see what they learned today.
- Collect the quizzes as students leave the classroom.
- Thank the students for participating.
- Remind them that they can practice mindfulness any time they need to feel calm and focused.
- Offer a final positive message: Practicing mindfulness helps us take care of our minds and hearts.
