Lesson Plan
Mindful Image Guide
Guide a 6th grader through mindfulness and self-reflection activities—including visualization, journaling, slide discussion, and affirmations—to build and sustain a healthy body image.
Early adolescents face social pressures that can harm self-esteem. This individualized lesson fosters healthy self-perception and resilience by combining guided mindfulness with reflective practices.
Audience
6th Grade Student
Time
25 minutes
Approach
Structured mindfulness and reflection exercises
Materials
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Open and review the Inner Voice Slides to familiarize yourself with discussion prompts.
- Print or have digital access to the Daily Reflection Journal.
- Review the Guided Visualization script and plan a quiet space.
- Read through the Personal Affirmation Script and prepare to coach tone and pacing.
Step 1
Welcome & Grounding
2 minutes
- Greet the student and explain that today’s focus is on noticing and nurturing positive thoughts about their body.
- Guide a 30-second breathing exercise: inhale for 4 counts, hold 2, exhale for 6.
Step 2
Guided Visualization
7 minutes
- Read the Guided Visualization script aloud.
- Encourage the student to close their eyes, imagine a safe place, and notice feelings of gratitude for their body’s strengths.
- Pause for reflection and gentle prompts: “What do you notice in your safe place?”
Step 3
Journal Reflection
8 minutes
- Provide the Daily Reflection Journal.
- Prompt the student to answer:
• "List three things your body helps you do that you’re thankful for."
• "Write one kind message to your inner voice about your appearance."
• Optional sketch: draw a symbol of body gratitude.
Step 4
Slide-Based Discussion
5 minutes
- Display Inner Voice Slides.
- Review 2–3 slides on recognizing negative self-talk and reframing it positively.
- Ask the student to share examples from their journal and discuss alternative positive thoughts.
Step 5
Affirmation Cool-Down
3 minutes
- Lead the student through the Personal Affirmation Script.
- Encourage them to say each affirmation aloud, matching tone and confidence.
- Close with a final deep breath and remind them to revisit these practices daily.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Your Inner Voice
Let’s explore the thoughts we tell ourselves about our bodies and learn how we can shift them toward kindness.
Use a soft gradient background from #A1887F to #795548. Include a thought-bubble icon next to the title. Greet the student and set a warm tone.
What Is Negative Self-Talk?
Negative self-talk is the inner criticism we direct at ourselves—focusing on perceived flaws or limitations.
Show a large thought bubble filled with cloudy scribbles to represent negative self-talk. Use a darker shade of #8D6E63 for emphasis.
Examples of Negative Self-Talk
• “My arms are too fat.”
• “I look weird in photos.”
• “I wish I were taller.”
Display three separate thought bubbles, each with an example. Use a small “😕” icon next to each negative thought.
Reframing Thoughts
Turn criticism into kindness:
“My arms are strong and help me play sports.”
Overlay a smile icon (😊) next to the reframed example. Highlight the positive words in a brighter shade.
Your Turn to Practice
Think of one negative thought you’ve noticed. Write a kinder version of that thought below.
Encourage the student to speak aloud or write directly on this slide. Provide space for their entry.
Affirmation for Today
“I appreciate what my body does for me every day.”
Repeat 3 times with confidence.
Use a celebratory smile icon and warm gradient glow behind the text. Invite the student to repeat aloud.
Journal
Daily Reflection Journal
Use the calming theme colors (#A1887F, #8D6E63, #795548) and a soft border to frame your reflections.
1. List three things your body helps you do that you’re thankful for:
2. Write one kind message to your inner voice about your appearance:
3. Sketch a symbol that represents your gratitude for your body:
Activity
Guided Visualization Script (7 minutes)
Use a calm, soothing voice. Pause gently between lines to allow the student to imagine and reflect.
1. Setting the Scene (1 minute)
- “Let’s begin by finding a comfortable seated position or lying down, whichever feels most relaxing for you.
- Close your eyes if that feels safe, and take a deep breath in through your nose… and exhale slowly through your mouth.”
- Repeat this two more times, noticing how your body feels with each breath.
2. Grounding into the Body (1 minute)
- “Let your attention move to your feet. Notice how they connect to the ground or the chair beneath you.
- Feel the support and stability there, knowing your body is carrying you safely.”
- “Now gently bring your focus to your legs… your belly… your chest.”
- Pause 5–7 seconds to let the student notice sensations in each area.
3. Imagining a Safe Place (1 minute)
- “Picture a place where you feel completely calm and happy—maybe a beach, a forest, or a cozy room.
- Notice the colors, the sounds, and the feeling in the air.”
- Pause for 10 seconds to let the image settle.
4. Gratitude for Body Strength (2 minutes)
- “In this safe place, imagine your body is moving with ease.
- Feel your legs walking or running, notice your arms reaching or lifting.
- Think of three things your body helps you do—like playing with friends, giving hugs, or drawing.
- After each one, pause and say quietly in your mind: ‘Thank you, body, for letting me ___.’”
- Prompt the student: “What did you notice? How did it feel to say ‘thank you’?” (Pause 15 seconds; then ask.)
5. Noticing Positive Energy (1 minute)
- “Focus on the warmth or light you might feel as you appreciate your body’s abilities.
- Let that feeling spread from your heart to the rest of your body—your shoulders, your hands, your face.”
- Pause for 10 seconds to allow the sensation.
6. Returning & Reflection (1 minute)
- “When you’re ready, gently wiggle your fingers and toes. Bring your awareness back to the room.
- Take a deep breath in… and out.”
- “Open your eyes slowly. Notice how you feel right now.”
- Prompt for a quick reflection: “What is one feeling or thought you’re carrying forward from this visualization?”
Follow-Up Questions:
- “Which body function did you feel most grateful for today?”
- “How can you remind yourself of this gratitude when you need a positive boost?”
Cool Down
Personal Affirmation Script
Purpose: Use positive statements to reinforce a healthy body image and boost confidence.
Teacher Tips:
- Posture & Tone: Encourage the student to stand or sit tall with shoulders relaxed. Model a calm, steady voice—gentle yet confident.
- Pacing & Repetition: Say each affirmation slowly. Pause briefly between repeats to let it sink in. Invite the student to mirror you.
-
Affirmation 1:
“I appreciate all the amazing things my body does for me.”
• Repeat 3 times, gradually increasing confidence in each repetition. -
Affirmation 2:
“I am strong, capable, and deserving of kindness.”
• Repeat 3 times, encouraging the student to place a hand over their heart if comfortable. -
Affirmation 3:
“I choose to speak to myself with love and respect every day.”
• Repeat 3 times, inviting the student to smile and notice how their body feels.
Closing Breath:
- Lead a final deep breath: inhale for 4 counts… hold for 2… exhale for 6.
- Remind the student to carry these affirmations with them and revisit whenever they need a positive boost.