• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
  • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Mindful Movement Journey

user image

Melissa Mader

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Movement Journey Lesson Plan

Guide students through a series of mindful movement exercises to enhance focus, calmness, and resilience.

This lesson helps students develop mindfulness, physical awareness, and stress-relief techniques, supporting both mental and physical well-being.

Audience

Elementary School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive, guided activities focused on movement and mindfulness.

Materials

Mindful Movement Journey Lesson Plan, Mindful Movement Slide Deck, and Mindful Movement Activity Guide

Prep

Pre-Class Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Mindful Movement Journey Lesson Plan for an overview of the lesson structure.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Mindful Movement Slide Deck to understand the key concepts and visuals.
  • Ensure all digital materials are ready and accessible before the class begins.

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • Start with a brief discussion on mindfulness and its benefits.
  • Lead a simple warm-up exercise focusing on deep breathing and gentle stretching.
  • Encourage students to listen to their bodies and notice how they feel.

Step 2

Guided Mindful Movement Exercises

25 minutes

  • Use the Mindful Movement Slide Deck to guide students through a series of interactive movement exercises.
  • Play calming background music to facilitate a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Incorporate pauses for reflection, asking students to focus on specific bodily sensations and their emotional responses.

Step 3

Closure and Reflection

10 minutes

  • Invite students to share their experiences and how they feel after the exercises.
  • Use guided questions to help them articulate their thoughts about mindfulness and movement.
  • Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to practice mindful movement at home.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome to the Mindful Movement Journey

Let's explore mindful movement and discover calm together.

Welcome students warmly and introduce the concept of mindful movement. Explain that today they will explore both movement and mindfulness to help them feel calm and focused.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment. It's about noticing how we feel, both inside and out.

Provide a brief definition of mindfulness in age-appropriate language. Encourage students to think about what it means to be aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Warm-Up: Deep Breathing & Gentle Stretching

Let's start with our warm-up exercises:

  1. Deep breathing 🌬
  2. Gentle stretching 🤸

Focus on how your body feels with each movement.

Guide the students through deep breathing and gentle stretches. Remind them to listen to their bodies and move slowly.

Guided Mindful Movement Exercises

Follow along with the movements:

  • Slow, flowing motions
  • Pauses to notice bodily sensations
  • Reflect on how each movement makes you feel

Use this slide to walk students through the main guided movement exercises. Play calming music and ask them to focus on sensations in their body.

Reflection & Closure

Share your experience:

  • How do you feel after the exercise?
  • What did you notice about your body and mind?

Remember, you can practice mindful movement anytime you need calm.

Invite students to share their experiences. Ask open-ended questions to help them articulate their feelings and thoughts about the exercises.

lenny

Activity

Mindful Movement Activity Guide

This guide provides detailed instructions for conducting the Mindful Movement Journey and offers practical tips to ensure mindfulness is integrated throughout each exercise. Teachers can refer to these steps to support the session and to adapt the activities for the unique needs of their students.

Activity Overview

  • Purpose: Help students develop awareness of their bodies and minds through gentle movements and mindfulness practices.
  • Session Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes.
  • Audience: Elementary School Students.
  • Materials: Mindful Movement Journey Lesson Plan, Mindful Movement Slide Deck, and this Activity Guide.

Detailed Activity Instructions

1. Pre-Class Preparation

  • Review the Lesson Plan: Ensure you are familiar with the Mindful Movement Journey Lesson Plan and how each part of the lesson is structured.
  • Set Up Technology: Confirm that the Mindful Movement Slide Deck is accessible and functioning, and that any background music is queued up and at the appropriate volume.
  • Create a Calm Space: Arrange the classroom to allow space for individual movement. Dim the lights if possible and ensure seating and movement areas are clear and safe.

2. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

  • Initial Discussion: Begin with a brief conversation about what mindfulness is. Ask students, "What does being mindful mean to you?" and allow a few responses.





  • Warm-Up Exercise: Lead the class through a gentle warm-up which includes deep breathing and gentle stretching. Use encouraging language like, "Feel the air fill your belly as you breathe in, and let it slowly go out." Emphasize listening to and acknowledging their own bodily sensations.





3. Guided Mindful Movement Exercises (25 minutes)

  • Follow the Slide Deck: Transition to the Mindful Movement Slide Deck and guide students through each slide. Explain each activity clearly and allow time for students to engage with the movements at their own pace.





  • Movement Guidance: As you move through the exercises, encourage students to focus not on perfect movement but on the feeling of the movement. Use cues such as, "Notice how your body feels during this stretch," or "How does your breathing change with the movement?"





  • Reflection Pauses: Periodically pause during the movements to ask the students questions like, "What do you feel in your muscles right now?" and allow them a moment to reflect inwardly.

4. Closure and Reflection (10 minutes)

  • Group Sharing: Invite students to sit and share their experiences with the class. Ask open-ended questions:
    • How did the exercises make you feel?
    • What did you notice about your breathing and body?
    • Can you think of a time when you could use these skills outside of class?






  • Wrap-Up Discussion: Summarize the main objectives: recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body, and how mindfulness can serve as a tool for calm and resilience.





Tips for Teachers

  • Be Patient and Adapt: Recognize that every student is different. Some may need more time during reflections, while others may be more agile in the movements.





  • Model Mindfulness: Demonstrate mindfulness in your tone and pacing. Your calm demeanor can set the tone for the class.





  • Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure that students feel safe to express how they feel, even if it is difficult to articulate. Encourage a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.

Follow-Up Activities

  • Mindfulness Journal: Encourage students to maintain a mindfulness journal where they record observations about their movements and feelings each day.





  • Family Involvement: Suggest that students share a simple movement exercise with their family at home. This reinforces the lesson and promotes mindfulness outside the classroom.





Reflection Questions for Teachers

  1. How did the students respond to each segment of the activity?
  2. What aspects of the guided movements resonated most with the students?
  3. Are there adaptations or additional exercises you might include next time to better suit your class's needs?
  4. How could you integrate mindfulness practices into other parts of the daily classroom routine?

This guide should serve as a flexible framework for leading a mindful movement session that cultivates a calm, engaging, and inclusive atmosphere.

Happy teaching and mindful moving!

lenny
lenny