Mindful Moments: Practicing Presence

Kelsey Leonard

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Practicing Presence

Introduce mindfulness practices

This lesson introduces students to mindfulness through simple breathing and sensory awareness exercises. It aims to cultivate a sense of calm and presence, which can help students manage stress and improve focus. By practicing mindfulness, students can develop better emotional regulation and enhance their overall well-being.

Audience

Grades 3-5 Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Introduce mindfulness practices

Materials

Breathing Exercise Worksheet, and Sensory Awareness Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction to Mindfulness

2 minutes

Briefly explain what mindfulness is: being present and aware of the moment without judgment.
Discuss the benefits of mindfulness, such as reducing stress and improving focus.

Step 2

Guided Breathing Exercise

5 minutes

Lead students through a simple breathing exercise:
- Inhale deeply through the nose for a count of four.
- Hold the breath for a count of four.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of four.
- Repeat this cycle three times.
Encourage students to notice how their body feels during the exercise.

Step 3

Sensory Awareness Activity

5 minutes

Guide students to focus on their senses:
- Ask them to close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them for one minute.
- Have them open their eyes and notice three things they see in the room.
- Encourage them to feel the texture of their clothing or the surface of their desk.
Discuss how paying attention to these senses can help them stay present.

Step 4

Closure and Reflection

3 minutes

Ask students to share how they felt during the exercises.
Discuss how they might use these techniques in their daily lives to manage stress or improve focus.
Encourage students to practice mindfulness regularly.

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Worksheet

Breathing Exercise Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through a simple breathing exercise to help them practice mindfulness and focus on their breath.

Describe how you felt before and after the breathing exercise.

Think about any changes in your mood or physical sensations.

What did you notice about your breath during the exercise?

Consider the rhythm, depth, and any changes you observed.

Discussion

Sensory Awareness Discussion Guide

This guide provides questions to help students reflect on their sensory awareness experience and discuss the impact of mindfulness on their presence and focus.

What sounds did you notice during the sensory awareness activity?

Encourage students to think about sounds they usually overlook.

How did focusing on your senses make you feel?

Guide students to reflect on any feelings of calm or presence.

How can you use sensory awareness in your daily life?

Discuss practical situations where being mindful of senses can be beneficial, like during a test or when feeling stressed.