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Mindful Moments: Tools for Stress Management

Margaret Mehringer

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Mindful Moments: Tools for Stress Management

Learn basic mindfulness techniques

In this lesson, 8th-grade students will be introduced to mindfulness techniques to help them manage stress and improve focus. This lesson is essential because mindfulness practices can enhance students' awareness, concentration, and emotional regulation skills.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Learn basic mindfulness techniques

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Projector and screen, '5 Minute Meditation: Mindfulness' video, Discussion questions handout, and Reflective worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Mindfulness

7 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on stress and how it impacts our daily lives.
  • Introduce the concept of mindfulness as a tool to manage stress and improve focus.
  • Explain that mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Step 2

Guided Meditation

10 mins

  • Watch the '5 Minute Meditation: Mindfulness' video as a class.
  • Encourage students to follow along, focusing on their breath and body sensations as instructed in the video.

Step 3

Discussion on Experience

10 mins

  • Use the discussion questions handout to guide a conversation about the meditation experience.
  • Questions might include: How did you feel during the meditation? Did you find it challenging to stay focused? How do you think mindfulness can help manage stress?

Step 4

Reflective Activity

10 mins

  • Distribute the reflective worksheet to students.
  • Allow students to write down their thoughts and feelings about the meditation experience.
  • Encourage them to think about how they might integrate mindfulness into their daily routines.

Step 5

Closure

8 mins

  • Reconvene as a class and ask a few students to share their reflections if they feel comfortable.
  • Summarize the key points of the lesson and reinforce the benefits of mindfulness.
  • Encourage students to practice mindfulness regularly and provide them with resources for further practice.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions Handout

A set of questions to help guide a discussion on the students' experiences with the mindfulness meditation.

How did you feel during the meditation?

Encourage students to reflect on their physical and emotional state during the meditation. Discuss the varying experiences and normalize that it can feel different for everyone.







Did you find it challenging to stay focused?

Facilitate a conversation about attention and distractions. Encourage students to share what thoughts or feelings came up and how they managed them.







How do you think mindfulness can help manage stress?

Discuss the concept of using mindfulness as a tool for stress management. Highlight examples of how being present and non-judgmental can reduce stress.







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Worksheet

Reflective Worksheet

A worksheet for students to write down their reflections on the mindfulness meditation experience and how they can integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.

Describe your experience during the mindfulness meditation. What did you notice?

Think about what sensations you felt in your body, what thoughts crossed your mind, and how you felt emotionally.







What was the most challenging part of the meditation for you?

Consider aspects like staying focused, dealing with distractions, or any uncomfortable sensations.







How do you think mindfulness could be useful in your daily life?

Reflect on situations where being mindful could help you manage stress, stay focused, or handle emotions better.







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