Lesson Plan
Mindful Moments Mural Lesson Plan
Students will explore mindfulness through individual art pieces that combine into a collective mural, fostering self-expression and community spirit.
The lesson nurtures mindfulness and self-reflection while offering creative expression and collaboration, essential for emotional well-being.
Audience
Elementary School Students
Time
60-90 minutes
Approach
Guided art creation with discussion and reflection.
Materials
Mindful Moments Mural Lesson Plan, Mindful Moments Slide Deck, and Art Supplies (paper, markers, paints, brushes)
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review and familiarize yourself with Mindful Moments Mural Lesson Plan.
- Prepare the slide deck for introducing mindfulness concepts using Mindful Moments Slide Deck.
- Gather all necessary art supplies and arrange the workspace for creative freedom.
- Set up a space where the mural can be displayed collectively.
Step 1
Introduction to Mindfulness
10 minutes
- Use the slide deck to introduce the concept of mindfulness, explaining its benefits for relaxation and focus.
- Engage students in a brief mindfulness exercise (e.g., deep breathing).
Step 2
Art Creation
30 minutes
- Distribute art supplies to each student and explain that they will create a piece of art reflecting what mindfulness means to them.
- Encourage individual creativity while reminding students of the collective mural goal.
- Circulate around the room providing guidance and support.
Step 3
Mural Assembly and Discussion
15 minutes
- Have students come together to assemble their individual pieces into one collective mural on a designated wall or board.
- Facilitate a discussion about how each art piece contributes to the overall theme of mindfulness.
- Ask reflection questions: What did you learn about mindfulness? How do you feel when you practice mindfulness?
Step 4
Reflection and Closure
5 minutes
- Recap key points about mindfulness and its benefits.
- Invite a few students to share their reflections on the activity.
- Thank everyone for their creative contributions.
Slide Deck
Mindful Moments Mural
Welcome to our creative journey! Today we explore mindfulness through art as each piece contributes to a collective mural.
Introduce the project with enthusiasm. Explain that mindfulness is not only about calm, but also about self-expression. Invite students to think about what mindfulness personally means to them as they join in.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment. It means noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
Discuss the core idea of mindfulness. Use simple terms that elementary students can grasp. Ask them if they have any experiences when they felt really calm or focused.
Benefits of Mindfulness
• Improves focus and concentration
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Enhances self-expression and creativity
Explain the advantages of mindfulness. Encourage some students to think of personal benefits they've experienced or heard about. It's important to emphasize that mindfulness can help with both relaxation and focus.
Mindfulness Exercise
Let's take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale slowly... exhale... Notice how your body feels calm and relaxed.
Lead a short mindfulness exercise by guiding the students through a breathing exercise. Remind them to relax and focus on their breathing, observing how it makes them feel.
Let's Create Art!
Now it's your turn! Create a piece of art that shows what mindfulness means to you. Your work will join others in our big mural.
Transition to the creativity part. Emphasize that every student's art piece is important and contributes to a shared mural that symbolizes mindfulness as a collective journey.
Activity
Mindful Art Creation Activity
Welcome to the Mindful Art Creation activity! In this project, you'll have the chance to create a personal art piece that represents what mindfulness means to you. Use your creativity to express your feelings and thoughts about being present, calm, and focused.
Instructions for Students
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Explore Mindfulness: Think about a time when you felt calm, focused, or at peace. What were you doing? How did your body and mind feel?
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Create Your Art: Use any art supplies available—paper, paints, markers, or crayons—to create an art piece that shows your personal interpretation of mindfulness. Your art can be abstract or literal, filled with colors or simple drawings; it's all about what mindfulness means to you.
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Prepare for the Mural: Keep your art piece safe and ready, because all individual pieces will come together to form a collective Mindful Moments Mural. This mural will be displayed in our classroom as a reminder of our shared journey toward mindfulness and creativity.
Guidelines
- Be Creative: There is no right or wrong way to express mindfulness. Let your imagination guide your art!
- Take Your Time: Focus on the process rather than just the final result. Enjoy the moment of creativity.
- Reflect: After you finish your art, take a moment to think about what you created. How does it reflect your feelings about mindfulness?
Follow-up Discussion
After everyone's art is completed and displayed as part of the mural:
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Group Discussion: We'll gather as a class and discuss the different ways we've interpreted mindfulness through our art. Consider what similarities and differences you notice, and how each art piece contributes to the overall theme.
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Reflection Questions:
- What did creating your art piece teach you about mindfulness?
- How do you feel when you practice mindfulness?
- In what ways can being mindful help you in your daily life?
We look forward to seeing your creative expression and learning about your personal connection to mindfulness!