Mindful Moments: New Year Edition
Practice mindfulness and set intentions
This lesson guides young students through calming breathing exercises and helps them set personal intentions for the new year. It encourages mindfulness, self-care, and personal growth, which are essential for developing emotional regulation and focus at an early age.
Practice mindfulness and set intentions
Calming music, Printable Intention Cards, and Markers or crayons
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the floor.
- Briefly explain what mindfulness is: "Mindfulness is paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them."
- Introduce the idea of setting intentions: "An intention is something you want to do or feel more of."
Step 2
Breathing Exercise
5 minutes
- Play calming music softly in the background.
- Guide students through a simple breathing exercise:
- Inhale deeply through the nose for a count of 3.
- Hold the breath for a count of 2.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of 4.
- Repeat the breathing cycle 3-4 times, encouraging students to focus on their breath.
Step 3
Setting Intentions
5 minutes
- Distribute Printable Intention Cards and markers or crayons to each student.
- Ask students to think about one thing they want to do or feel more of this year (e.g., "I want to be kind," "I want to play more").
- Have them draw or write their intention on the card with the help of an adult if needed.
- Invite students to share their intentions with the group if they feel comfortable.
- Encourage them to keep their cards somewhere special to remind them of their intention.
- Conclude with a positive affirmation: "I am calm, I am kind, I am ready for a wonderful year."
