Mindful Moments

Jennifer Ritter

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

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.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Learn about and practice mindfulness

Materials

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.

Step 6

Closure

1 min

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.

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Discussion

Discussion Guide

A guide to facilitate discussion with the students about mindfulness and their experience.

What is mindfulness?

Help students define mindfulness in their own words. Discuss how mindfulness can help in daily life.

How did you feel during the guided meditation?

Encourage students to share their feelings and experiences without judgment.

Why do you think it's important to stay present and focused?

Discuss the benefits of being mindful and present in various situations, both in school and at home.

Worksheet

Mindfulness Journaling Worksheet

A worksheet to allow students to reflect on their guided meditation experience through writing or drawing.

How did you feel during the meditation?

Think about your feelings during different parts of the meditation.

What did you notice?

Write or draw about what you paid attention to, like your breath, sounds around you, or feelings in your body.

Where was your special place?

Describe or draw the place that made you feel calm and happy during the meditation.