Mindful Moments: Start Your Day Right

Stephen Habib

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Start Your Day Right

Morning mindfulness exercise

This lesson guides students through a morning mindfulness exercise involving deep breathing and setting a positive intention for the day. It helps students center themselves, fostering a calm and focused mindset, which improves overall well-being and readiness to learn. This practice is essential for developing emotional regulation and enhancing concentration, which are crucial skills for academic success and personal growth.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Morning mindfulness exercise

Materials

Yoga mats or comfortable seating, Calm background music (optional), and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Welcome students and explain the purpose of the mindfulness exercise.
Discuss how mindfulness can help improve focus and reduce stress.
Encourage students to find a comfortable seated position.

Step 2

Deep Breathing Exercise

5 minutes

Guide students through a deep 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 six.
- Repeat for several cycles, encouraging students to focus on their breath.

Step 3

Setting Positive Intentions

5 minutes

Ask students to think about a positive intention for the day.
Provide examples, such as "I will be kind to myself and others" or "I will focus on my tasks with a positive attitude."
Allow students a moment of silence to set their personal intention.

Step 4

Reflection and Discussion

5 minutes

Invite students to share their experiences and intentions if they feel comfortable.
Facilitate a brief discussion using prepared questions to explore how they feel after the exercise and how they might use mindfulness throughout the day.

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

Thank students for participating and remind them that they can use these techniques anytime they need to refocus or calm themselves.
Encourage them to practice mindfulness regularly for ongoing benefits.

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Discussion

Mindfulness Discussion

A discussion to reflect on the mindfulness exercise and its impact.

How did the deep breathing exercise make you feel?

Encourage students to describe their physical and emotional sensations during the exercise.

What positive intention did you set for today?

Invite students to share their intentions and discuss how setting intentions can influence their day.

How can you use mindfulness techniques in other parts of your life?

Discuss practical applications of mindfulness in daily activities and challenges.