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Mindful Story Garden

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Lesson Plan

Mindful Story Garden

Encourage mindfulness and creativity

In this lesson, students will engage in a mindfulness exercise by visualizing a peaceful garden. They will then share their imagined stories in a class circle, fostering creativity and providing stress relief. This activity helps young students develop mindfulness skills, enhances their imagination, and encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.

Audience

Grades K-1

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Encourage mindfulness and creativity

Materials

Soft background music, Comfortable seating arrangement, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Gather students in a comfortable seating arrangement.
  • Briefly explain the concept of mindfulness and how it helps us feel calm and focused.
  • Introduce the activity: imagining a peaceful garden.

Step 2

Visualization Exercise

5 minutes

  • Ask students to close their eyes and take deep breaths.
  • Play soft background music to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Guide them through a visualization of a peaceful garden, describing elements like flowers, trees, and gentle breezes.

Step 3

Storytelling Circle

5 minutes

  • Invite students to open their eyes and share their imagined garden stories.
  • Encourage each student to describe what they saw, heard, and felt in their garden.
  • Foster a supportive environment where all stories are valued.

Step 4

Closure

3 minutes

  • Thank students for sharing their stories.
  • Discuss how they felt during the exercise and if it helped them feel more relaxed.
  • Encourage them to use this visualization technique whenever they need to feel calm.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to guide a reflective discussion after the storytelling circle. They help students articulate their experiences and feelings.

What did you see in your peaceful garden?

Encourage students to describe specific elements like colors, plants, or animals.







How did imagining the garden make you feel?

Guide students to express emotions such as calmness, happiness, or excitement.







Can you think of a time when you might use this visualization to help you feel calm?

Help students identify situations where mindfulness could be beneficial, like before a test or when feeling upset.







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lenny