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Mindful Moments

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Lesson Plan

Mindfulness Circuit Plan

Students will rotate through three mindfulness stations—breathing, guided visualization, and journaling—and conclude with a silent reflection, deepening self-awareness and regulation skills.

This circuit approach lets 5th graders experience varied mindfulness practices in small doses, building emotional regulation and present-moment focus tailored for Tier 2 support.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Station rotation of brief mindfulness practices

Materials

Breathing Bells Slides, Guided Visualization Exercise, Mindful Minute Logs, and Silent Reflection Prompt

Prep

Prepare Stations

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Introduction

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of mindfulness
  • Explain the objective: rotating through three short practices and ending with silent reflection
  • Briefly review station rules: respect space, speak softly, and move on bell signal

Step 2

Station Rotations

24 minutes

  • Divide students into three small groups and assign each to Station 1, 2, or 3
  • Set timer for 8 minutes; ring bell at each rotation
  • Station 1: Use Breathing Bells Slides to guide deep-breath exercises with chime cues
  • Station 2: Follow the Guided Visualization Exercise script quietly, eyes closed
  • Station 3: Complete an entry in the Mindful Minute Logs, noting feelings and sensations
  • After each 8-minute period, ring the bell and rotate groups to the next station

Step 3

Cool-down Reflection

6 minutes

  • Distribute Silent Reflection Prompt to each student
  • Ask students to find a comfortable spot, read the prompt, and reflect silently
  • Maintain a calm environment with soft instrumental music (optional)

Step 4

Group Debrief

5 minutes

  • Reconvene in a circle and invite volunteers to share one insight
  • Prompt discussion: Which station helped you notice your thoughts or feelings?
  • Reinforce that these tools can be used anytime for self-regulation
  • Close by reminding students to practice one technique today
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Slide Deck

Breathing Bells: Introduction

• We’ll use a bell sound and growing/shrinking circle to guide breaths
• Breathe with the circle and bell cues
• Focus on steady, calm breathing throughout the exercise

Welcome students and introduce the bell-guided breathing practice. Explain that the circle on screen and the chime will help guide inhale, hold, and exhale.

Inhale: Fill Your Lungs

• Watch the circle expand from small to large
• Breathe in deeply through your nose
• Count to 4 as the circle grows

Prompt students to watch the circle expand and breathe in slowly as it grows.

Hold: Gentle Pause

• When the circle is at its largest, pause your breath
• Hold for a slow count of 2
• Notice how your body feels in stillness

Encourage a gentle hold to notice the space between in and out.

Exhale: Let It Go

• Watch the circle shrink back to small
• Slowly breathe out through your mouth
• Count to 4 as the circle contracts

Guide students to exhale fully as the circle contracts.

Repeat & Find Rhythm

• Continue inhale–hold–exhale pattern for several rounds
• Let the bell chime cue each phase
• Focus on the ebb and flow of your breath

Invite students to continue this cycle and find a comfortable rhythm.

Closing Reflection

• Notice how your body and mind feel now
• Carry this calm awareness into the next station
• Remember: you can use this anytime you need a moment of calm

Close the practice and transition back to the mindfulness circuit stations.

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Activity

Guided Visualization Exercise

Objective:
Students will use a short, imagery-based journey to anchor attention in the present moment, practice body awareness, and gently notice thoughts and feelings.

Time: 8 minutes

Materials:

  • Optional: Soft instrumental music or nature sounds
  • Comfortable seating or yoga mats

Script & Instructions

  1. Introduction (1 minute)

    • Teacher says: “Find a comfortable seat or lie on your mat. Close your eyes if that feels safe. Rest your hands gently in your lap or by your sides. Let your shoulders relax.”
    • Pause for 5–10 seconds.

  2. Body Awareness (1 minute)

    • Teacher says: “Bring your attention to the top of your head. Notice any sensations—warmth, pressure, tingling. Slowly scan down: forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaw. Release tension as you exhale.”
    • Guide them down through neck, shoulders, arms, chest, belly, hips, legs, and feet. Pause briefly at each area.

  3. Setting the Scene (2 minutes)

    • Teacher says: “Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a calm forest lake. The water is still, like a mirror. The air is fresh and warm. You hear birds singing softly and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.”
    • Encourage students to see the color of the sky, feel the soft grass beneath their feet, smell the pine or wildflowers.

  4. Engaging the Senses (2 minutes)

    • Teacher says: “Gently walk toward the water’s edge. Feel the sun on your skin and a light breeze on your face. Notice the colors of the trees, the sparkle on the water. Hear the lapping of tiny waves. Breathe in the fresh scent of nature.”
    • After 1 minute, prompt: “Take three slow, deep breaths as you continue to explore your calm place.”

  5. Returning to the Room (1 minute)

    • Teacher says: “When you’re ready, begin to bring your awareness back to your body in this room. Wiggle your fingers and toes, roll your shoulders, and, when it feels right, open your eyes.”
    • Pause a moment for students to reorient.

  6. Brief Reflection (1 minute)

    • Prompt: “Notice how your body and mind feel. You can jot down one word or draw a quick sketch about your experience in your journal.”



Follow-Up Discussion Prompts:

  • “What did you notice first: a sound, a smell, or a sensation in your body?”
  • “How did it feel to bring awareness to a calm place?”
  • “Which part of the exercise helped you feel most relaxed?”

Teacher Notes:

  • Keep your voice slow, soft, and steady.
  • Use gentle tone changes to signal shifts between phases.
  • Allow for natural pauses so students can fully immerse.
  • Adjust pacing based on student responsiveness.
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Journal

Mindful Minute Logs

Session Date: ___________________________

Entry 1

Time of Check-In: __________

  1. What sensations do you notice in your body right now?






  2. What emotions are you experiencing?






  3. What thoughts are present in your mind?






Entry 2

Time of Check-In: __________

  1. What sensations do you notice in your body right now?






  2. What emotions are you experiencing?






  3. What thoughts are present in your mind?






Entry 3

Time of Check-In: __________

  1. What sensations do you notice in your body right now?






  2. What emotions are you experiencing?






  3. What thoughts are present in your mind?






Reflection:

  • Which entry helped you feel most aware of your feelings?






  • One thing I can do right now to support my well-being is:






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Cool Down

Silent Reflection Prompt

Instructions: Take a moment to reflect on today’s mindfulness circuit and respond to each prompt below.

  1. Which station helped you feel most calm or aware today? Why?











  2. What physical sensation did you notice during the breathing or visualization?






  3. How can you use one of these mindfulness tools today when you feel stressed or worried?






  4. One word that describes how I feel right now is:



When you’re done, place your prompt back in the box quietly so we can wrap up together.

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