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Peaceful Patterns

Lesson Plan

Peaceful Patterns Lesson Plan

Introduce students to mindfulness through simple origami folding exercises, aiming to enhance focused breathing, calmness, and fine motor skills by creating two basic paper shapes.

Combining origami with guided breathing practices builds young learners’ concentration, emotional regulation, and creativity while strengthening their hand-eye coordination.

Audience

Pre-K to 1st Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Hands-on folding paired with guided breathing exercises.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Mindful Breathing

7 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle on the carpet
  • Explain that mindfulness means paying attention to breathing and being calm
  • Lead a guided breathing exercise: inhale (count to 4), hold (2), exhale (6)
  • Ask students to share how their bodies feel after the exercise

Step 2

Origami Fold 1 Demonstration

7 minutes

  • Display the first shape (simple hat) on the Peaceful Patterns Slide Deck
  • Model each fold slowly, narrating steps while breathing in and out calmly
  • Emphasize taking a breath between folds and focusing on the paper

Step 3

Student Practice: Fold 1

10 minutes

  • Distribute one sheet of colored origami paper to each student
  • Guide students fold-by-fold, prompting a breath between each step
  • Circulate to offer gentle assistance and encouragement

Step 4

Origami Fold 2 Demonstration

7 minutes

  • Introduce the second shape (simple boat) using the slide deck
  • Demonstrate each fold at the front, maintaining a calm pace and steady breathing
  • Invite students to notice how folding feels in their hands

Step 5

Student Practice: Fold 2

10 minutes

  • Hand out another origami sheet if needed
  • Lead students through the boat fold, reinforcing mindful breathing between steps
  • Offer one-on-one support to students who need extra help

Step 6

Reflection & Mindful Coloring

12 minutes

  • Distribute the Peaceful Patterns Activity Sheets
  • Invite students to decorate their origami shapes or draw patterns while breathing slowly
  • Prompt reflection: “How did folding and breathing make you feel?”
  • Allow volunteers to share their thoughts

Step 7

Closing & Assessment

7 minutes

  • Gather students back in a circle
  • Ask each student to name one feeling or word that describes their experience
  • Check each origami shape to assess understanding of folds and focus
  • Provide positive feedback, and suggest extra practice or an advanced shape for early finishers
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Slide Deck

Peaceful Patterns: Mindful Origami

Perfect for Pre-K to 1st Grade

Let’s explore mindfulness through the art of origami!

Welcome, everyone! Introduce yourself and explain that today we’ll learn how folding paper can help us feel calm and focused.

Today’s Journey

• Mindful Breathing
• Fold a Paper Hat
• Practice Together
• Fold a Paper Boat
• Reflect & Create

Briefly walk through each part of today’s lesson so students know what’s coming and stay engaged.

Mindful Breathing

  1. Sit in a circle, hands in your lap.
  2. Inhale for 4 seconds.
  3. Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
  4. Exhale for 6 seconds.

How does your body feel now?

Lead the breathing: count aloud, modeling slow inhales and long exhales. Encourage students to notice their bodies.

Origami Shape 1: Paper Hat

  1. Fold the square paper in half horizontally.
  2. Fold the top two corners down to the center line.
  3. Fold the bottom edge up to meet the base of the triangles.
  4. Flip over and fold the new bottom edge up again.

Show each fold on your own paper first, breathing in between steps. Speak slowly and clearly.

Practice: Paper Hat

• Take one sheet of origami paper.
• Follow each fold, breathing slowly.
• Raise your hand if you need help.
• Notice how your fingers feel as you fold.

Distribute one sheet per student. Remind them to breathe between folds and to ask for help if needed.

Origami Shape 2: Paper Boat

  1. Fold your square in half horizontally.
  2. Bring the top corners to the middle, forming a triangle.
  3. Fold the bottom flaps up on both sides.
  4. Gently open the center and shape into a boat.

Demonstrate the boat folds at the front, maintaining a calm pace. Invite students to watch your breathing.

Practice: Paper Boat

• Grab another sheet of paper.
• Breathe in between each fold.
• Help a friend or ask for help.
• Notice any shapes or sounds you make.

Encourage peer support and mindful breathing as students fold their boats. Offer one-on-one guidance.

Reflection & Coloring

• Decorate your hat and boat on the activity sheet.
• Draw patterns while breathing slowly.
• Think: “How did folding and breathing make me feel?”
• Be ready to share one thought.

Hand out activity sheets. Invite students to color and decorate mindfully, focusing on calm patterns.

Share & Close

• Share one word about how you feel now.
• Great job practicing mindfulness!
• Keep folding and breathing at home.

Gather everyone back in the circle. Ask each student for one word that describes their feeling. Praise each contribution.

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Activity

Peaceful Patterns Activity Sheet

1. Color Your Paper Hat
Use your favorite calming colors to decorate the hat you folded. Notice how the paper feels under your fingers as you color.



2. Color Your Paper Boat
Choose gentle patterns—waves, spirals, or dots—and color your boat mindfully. Breathe slowly as you move your crayon.



3. Draw Calm Patterns
On the blank space below, draw shapes or patterns that help you feel calm and focused. Take a deep breath before each line.









4. Reflection
How did folding and breathing make you feel? Write or draw your thoughts below.










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