Lesson Plan
Mindfulness Matters Lesson Plan
Introduce 7th graders to mindfulness practices to help manage stress and improve focus through guided activities and reflective discussion.
Mindfulness is an essential skill for emotional well-being and academic success. This lesson empowers students to apply simple mindfulness techniques in daily life.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and reflection.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 Minutes
- Review the Mindfulness Matters Lesson Plan for detailed instructions.
- Listen to the Mindfulness Practice Audio to become familiar with the guided mindfulness session.
- Print copies of the Mindfulness Reflection Handout if required.
Step 1
Introduction
5 Minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the idea of mindfulness.
- Explain what mindfulness is and discuss its benefits such as reduced stress and improved concentration.
Step 2
Guided Mindfulness Activity
15 Minutes
- Play the Mindfulness Practice Audio to guide a mindfulness session.
- Encourage students to focus on their breathing and remain fully present.
- Move around the classroom providing gentle prompts to help students stay engaged.
Step 3
Reflection Discussion
5 Minutes
- Hand out the Mindfulness Reflection Handout for students to record their thoughts.
- Facilitate a group discussion about their experiences and insights from the session.
Step 4
Wrap-Up
5 Minutes
- Summarize the lesson by highlighting key takeaways regarding the importance of mindfulness.
- Encourage students to integrate mindfulness techniques into their daily routines and share any questions or reflections.
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Slide Deck
Mindfulness Matters
Welcome to our mindfulness lesson! Today we'll explore what mindfulness is, its benefits, and practice a guided mindfulness exercise.
Introduce the lesson topic, set expectations, and provide an overview of mindfulness. Emphasize the importance of being present and stress reduction. Mention that students will learn both the theory and a practical guided activity.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of staying fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without being distracted by thoughts or worries.
Discuss the definition of mindfulness in simple terms suitable for 7th graders. Encourage students to think of mindfulness as paying full attention to the present moment.
Benefits of Mindfulness
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Enhances focus and concentration
• Improves emotional balance
• Supports overall well-being
Explain the benefits of mindfulness, including stress reduction and improved concentration. Use bullet points for clarity.
Guided Mindfulness Activity
Let's take a few minutes to relax and practice mindfulness. Listen carefully to the Mindfulness Practice Audio and focus on your breathing.
Prepare to play the guided audio. Remind students to focus on their breathing and relax. Walk around to provide gentle prompts.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Discuss what you experienced during the guided exercise. How did focusing on your breath make you feel? Don't forget to note your thoughts on the Mindfulness Reflection Handout and share with the class.
Facilitate a discussion. Ask students to share their reflections on the guided activity using the handout. Summarize key points and encourage students to use mindfulness in daily routines.
Activity
Mindfulness Matters: Student Activity
Welcome to the mindfulness activity! This session is designed to help you focus on the present moment, breathe deeply, and clear your mind. As you listen to the Guided Mindfulness Practice audio, try to let go of any distractions. Please follow the instructions below:
Instructions
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Find a Comfortable Seat
Sit upright, with your feet flat on the floor, and let your hands rest comfortably in your lap. -
Close Your Eyes
If you feel comfortable doing so, gently close your eyes. This step will help you better focus on the sound and your inner experience. -
Focus on Your Breathing
Notice your natural breath. Feel your chest and stomach rise as you inhale and sink gently as you exhale. Try to keep your attention on your breathing. -
Listen to the Guided Practice
The Guided Mindfulness Practice Audio will lead you through a calming session. Follow along with its instructions, letting each word help you settle into the present moment. -
Reflect on the Activity
After the audio finishes, take a moment to notice how you feel. You might want to jot down some thoughts in your reflection handout provided by your teacher.
Reflection Questions
- What did you notice about your breathing during the practice?
- How did you feel before and after the exercise?
- Were there any thoughts that distracted you? If so, how did you bring your focus back to your breathing?
Next Steps
- Share one thing you learned or felt during this session with the class during the discussion time.
- Practice this mindfulness technique at home whenever you need a moment to relax.
Enjoy this peaceful practice and remember: mindfulness is about being in the moment. Let your thoughts drift away and focus on your breath.
Worksheet
Mindfulness Reflection Handout
Reflection Questions
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What did you notice about your breathing during the mindfulness activity?
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How did you feel before starting the mindfulness exercise? Describe your emotions and energy levels.
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How did you feel after completing the exercise? Were there any changes in your mood or focus?
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Did you experience any distractions or thoughts that took your focus away from your breathing? If so, how did you bring your focus back?
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How might you use mindfulness practices in your everyday life to manage stress or improve concentration?
Additional Reflection
- Write a short paragraph describing one key takeaway from today's mindfulness session and how you plan to incorporate it into your daily routine:
Remember: There are no right or wrong answers—this is a chance to reflect on your feelings and experiences with mindfulness.