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Mindful Movement Breaks

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Movement Breaks

Teach destressing techniques

This lesson introduces students to mindful movement breaks, including guided stretches and breathing exercises. These activities are designed to help students manage anxiety and enhance concentration, providing essential tools for their emotional and mental well-being. By integrating these techniques throughout the day, students can learn to refocus and destress effectively.

Audience

Students in Grades K-6

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Teach destressing techniques

Materials

Yoga mats or soft floor space, and Printable Cards: Mindful Movement Prompts

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Briefly explain the purpose of mindful movement breaks.
  • Discuss how these exercises can help manage stress and improve focus.

Step 2

Guided Stretches

5 minutes

  • Lead students through a series of simple stretches:
    • Reach for the sky stretch
    • Side bends
    • Forward fold
  • Encourage students to focus on their breathing during each stretch.

Step 3

Breathing Exercises

5 minutes

  • Guide students through breathing exercises:
    • Deep belly breathing
    • Counting breaths (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4)
  • Emphasize the importance of slow, controlled breathing.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

  • Reflect on how the exercises made them feel.
  • Encourage students to use these techniques whenever they feel stressed or need to refocus.
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Worksheet

Mindful Movement Prompts

These cards provide prompts for various mindful movements and breathing exercises that can be used during the lesson.




Reach for the sky stretch







Side bends







Forward fold







Deep belly breathing







Counting breaths




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