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Mindfulness and Self-Regulation

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Lesson Plan

Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Lesson Plan

Students will learn mindfulness techniques for self-regulation and stress reduction through guided meditation, breathing exercises, and self-reflection.

Practicing mindfulness can help students manage emotions, improve focus, and cultivate long-term wellbeing.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive and experiential learning using guided practices.

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Setting the Stage

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the concept of mindfulness and its benefits.
  • Share examples of mindfulness practices and ask if anyone has tried similar techniques.
  • Explain the session’s objectives and activities.

Step 2

Guided Meditation

10 minutes

  • Use the Mindfulness Slide Deck to display calming visuals.
  • Lead a guided meditation using a script focusing on relaxation and awareness.
  • Encourage students to close their eyes and focus on their breathing.

Step 3

Breathing Exercises

10 minutes

  • Demonstrate simple breathing exercises (e.g., deep belly breathing, 4-7-8 technique).
  • Have students practice these exercises in pairs or as a group.
  • Discuss how controlled breathing can influence calmness and focus.

Step 4

Self-Reflection Activity

15 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect on their current feelings and thoughts using the Mindfulness Journal Template.
  • Facilitate an activity where students share insights in small groups or partners using the Mindfulness Activity.
  • Conclude with a group discussion on the experience and benefits of mindfulness practices.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mindfulness and Self-Regulation

Today, we’ll explore mindfulness techniques to help manage stress and boost focus.

Introduce the concept of mindfulness. Emphasize benefits such as stress reduction and improved self-regulation. Encourage students to share any previous experiences with mindfulness.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It helps us notice feelings, thoughts, and surroundings without judgment.

Present the definition of mindfulness and its importance. Expand on how being present can influence our emotions.

Guided Meditation

Let's take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and relax your mind. Follow along with the visuals and let go of distractions.

Introduce guided meditation. Instruct students to follow along and pay attention to their breath.

Breathing Exercises

Practice deep belly breathing and the 4-7-8 technique to calm the mind and body.

Explain the purpose of breathing exercises while demonstrating techniques like deep belly breathing and the 4-7-8 method.

Self-Reflection Activity

Reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Use your mindfulness journal to note any insights during or after the session.

Encourage students to reflect on their emotions and thoughts. Remind them that journaling will help track their progress in mindfulness.

Wrap-Up & Group Discussion

What did you learn today? How do you feel now? Share your thoughts and consider how these practices can become part of your daily routine.

Conclude by summarizing the key points of the lesson. Invite feedback and encourage ongoing mindfulness practice.

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Activity

Mindfulness Activity

In this activity, students will apply mindfulness techniques learned during the lesson in a supportive group setting. The goal is to reinforce the concepts of mindfulness and help students practice self-regulation through group sharing and reflective discussion.

Activity Overview

Guidelines

  1. Brief Mindfulness Reminder:

    • Begin by reviewing a core mindfulness technique (e.g., guided meditation or deep belly breathing) from the lesson.
  2. Individual Reflection (10 minutes):

    • Ask each student to spend a few minutes quietly reflecting on a moment in the day when they felt stressed or overwhelmed. Encourage them to think about the physical and emotional sensations they experienced.
    • Students should use the Mindfulness Journal Template to jot down their thoughts and feelings.






  3. Pair Sharing (10 minutes):

    • Have students pair up and share their reflections with a partner. They should discuss what mindfulness strategies might help them in similar future situations.
    • Remind students to listen actively and provide supportive feedback to each other.






  4. Group Discussion (10 minutes):

    • Bring the class together and facilitate a group discussion, asking:
      • What similarities did you notice in your experiences?
      • How did sharing your thoughts impact your understanding of mindful self-regulation?
      • Can you think of situations where using a mindfulness technique might be helpful?
    • Write key points on the board to summarize the discussion.






  5. Closing Reflection (5 minutes):

    • Invite students to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths.
    • Ask them to silently consider one new mindfulness practice they will try tonight or in the coming days.
    • Optionally, let them write down their intention in their journal before the activity ends.






Follow-Up Points

  • Daily Check-In: Encourage students to incorporate a short mindfulness exercise at the start or end of each day.
  • Bulletin Board Display: Consider creating a classroom bulletin board that features student tips on mindfulness
  • Further Mindfulness Exercises: Share additional resources or apps that support mindfulness practice for further exploration outside the classroom.

This activity is designed to be interactive and reflective, allowing students to connect personal experience with learned techniques, and to support each other during the journey toward enhanced self-regulation.

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Journal

Mindfulness Journal Template

Welcome to your personal space for mindfulness reflection. Use this journal to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences as you practice mindfulness. Take your time, be honest, and allow yourself the freedom to explore your inner world.

Daily Reflection

  1. What mindfulness activity did you practice today? Describe the activity in your own words.






  2. How did you feel before, during, and after the practice?






  3. What thoughts or emotions surfaced during your mindfulness practice?






In-Depth Reflection

  1. Reflect on a moment when you felt particularly stressed or overwhelmed. How did you handle it? What might you do differently using your mindfulness skills?











  2. How do you think practicing mindfulness can help you in challenging situations at school or at home?











Looking Forward

  1. What new mindfulness technique would you like to try next? Why does it interest you?











  2. Write one personal goal related to mindfulness or self-regulation that you want to achieve in the coming week.











Keep this journal as a tool for self-discovery and growth. Revisit your entries often to see how your mindfulness practice evolves over time.

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Mindfulness and Self-Regulation • Lenny Learning