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Mindful Movement: Embodied Awareness through Dance

Lesson Plan

Mindful Movement Lesson Plan

Introduce students to mindful movement to enhance body awareness and emotional expression through dance.

This lesson promotes relaxation and self-regulation by helping students understand and express their emotions and physical sensations.

Audience

Grades 3-10

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Guided dance activities, reflective discussions, and structured movement sequences.

Materials

Mindful Movement Lesson Plan, Slide Deck for Mindful Movement, and Mindful Dance Activity Guide

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • Start with guided deep breathing exercises.
  • Lead gentle stretching movements to help students prepare their bodies.

Step 2

Main Activity

20 minutes

  • Introduce mindful movement concepts using the Slide Deck for Mindful Movement.
  • Engage students in a series of dance movements that encourage expression of emotions and body awareness.
  • Use pauses for reflection and discussion during the sequences.

Step 3

Cool-Down

5 minutes

  • Guide students through slow, calming movements and deep breathing.
  • Facilitate a brief group discussion about their emotional and physical experiences.
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Slide Deck

Mindful Movement: Embodied Awareness through Dance

Welcome to our lesson on mindful movement. Today we explore how we can use dance to connect with our bodies and emotions.

Introduce the concept of mindful movement. Explain that today's lesson uses dance to help us become more aware of our bodies and emotions. Emphasize that everyone is welcome to express themselves through movement.

Warm-Up: Breathing & Gentle Stretching

Let's begin with deep breathing exercises and gentle stretching movements to prepare our bodies for dance.

Guide students into a warm-up by starting with deep breathing. Encourage them to move gently as they follow the instructions.

Main Activity: Express Through Dance

Engage in a series of mindful dance movements. Move freely and notice your emotions and physical sensations.

Remember: Pause and reflect at key points during the activity.

Introduce the main activity. Explain how dance can help express emotions and foster body awareness. Use prompts to encourage observation of feelings during the movements.

Cool-Down: Calming Movements & Reflection

Let’s conclude with slow, calming movements and deep breathing exercises. Reflect on your emotional and physical experiences during today’s dance.

Cool down by bringing students back to a calm state. Focus on slow, mindful movements and deep breathing. Facilitate discussion by asking how the activity made them feel.

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Activity

Mindful Dance Activity Guide

This activity guide is designed to facilitate a series of mindful dance movements that help students become aware of their body, emotions, and the connections between the two. The guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions and reflection prompts to guide the students' experience.

Activity Overview

  • Objective: Encourage students to explore and express their emotions through movement and dance.
  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Materials Needed: A clear, open space for movement, comfortable clothing, and a calm environment.

Activity Instructions

1. Introduction & Setup

  • Gather the students and explain the purpose of the activity: to connect with their emotions and physical sensations by moving their bodies freely in a mindful way.
  • Remind students that there are no right or wrong moves. This is about expressing feelings and being present with the body.

2. Guided Movement Sequence

Follow these steps, pausing for reflection as indicated:

  1. Warm-Up Movement: Begin with a gentle movement to the rhythm of your breath. With your eyes closed, sway side-to-side, feel the weight of your body, and imagine letting go of tension.



  2. Expressive Dance: Transition into a series of slow, flowing movements:
    • Stretch your arms wide to invite energy in and then slowly bring them down as if embracing calm.
    • Turn in a slow circle, noticing how your body feels as it moves in a continuous line.
    • Experiment with changing the pace: start with slow movements, then gradually build a tempo and then slow it down again.






  3. Reflection Pause: In the middle of your movement, stop and take a deep breath. Notice any physical sensations or emotions that arise, and hold that feeling for a moment.











  4. Return to Stillness: Conclude your activity by gradually reducing your movements. Let your body settle naturally into stillness and feel the calm that emerges after the movement.

3. Group Reflection and Discussion

After the activity, sit as a group and discuss:

  • What emotions did you notice during the dance?
  • Were there moments when your body felt more relaxed or energized?
  • How did slowing down or speeding up your movements change your feelings?
  • What did you observe about the connection between your movements and emotions?

Take time to share your personal experiences. Remind everyone that there is no right or wrong answer, and every experience is valid.

Follow-Up Points

  • Encourage students to explore mindful movement in a daily routine, perhaps dedicating a few minutes to dance or stretch mindfully during the day.
  • Integrate artistic elements by asking students to create a short journal entry or drawing that captures their emotional journey during the activity.
  • Revisit this activity in later classes to build on the skills of mindfulness and body awareness.

Enjoy your dance and embrace the journey of discovery within your movement!

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