Self-Care Superheroes: Empowering Fifth Graders to Prioritize Well-being

Kristin Barnes

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Self-Care Superheroes Lesson Plan

Empower fifth graders to understand and practice self-care, helping them manage stress and boost well-being through engaging videos, worksheets, and activities.

By learning self-care, students build resilience, manage emotions, and develop healthy habits that support both academic success and personal well-being.

Audience

5th Grade Elementary School Students

Time

2 sessions, 40 minutes each

Approach

Interactive discussion, video, worksheet, and hands-on activity.

Materials

Self-Care Superheroes Lesson Plan, Self-Care Superheroes Worksheet, Stress Management Techniques for Kids, and Self-Care Activity: Create Your Self-Care Plan

Prep

Preparation

20 minutes

Review the Self-Care Superheroes Lesson Plan for session details.
Preview the video Stress Management Techniques for Kids to ensure it aligns with your classroom needs.
Print or prepare digital copies of the Self-Care Superheroes Worksheet.
Set up materials for the hands-on activity Self-Care Activity: Create Your Self-Care Plan.
Consider classroom layout to facilitate discussion and group work.

Step 1

Session 1: Introduction and Exploration

40 minutes

Begin with a discussion on what self-care means and why it's important.
Show the video Stress Management Techniques for Kids to spark ideas and interest.
Facilitate a group discussion; ask students to share examples of self-care.
Distribute the Self-Care Superheroes Worksheet and guide students through filling it out, focusing on recognizing personal self-care strategies.

Step 2

Session 2: Activity and Application

40 minutes

Recap key points on self-care from the previous session.
Introduce the activity Self-Care Activity: Create Your Self-Care Plan.
In groups, have students design their own self-care superhero persona and create a plan outlining practical self-care practices.
Allow each group to share their superhero plan with the class and discuss how these practices can be incorporated into daily routines.
Conclude with a reflective discussion on how self-care can impact their well-being.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Self-Care Superheroes Worksheet

Welcome, Superheroes! Today we're going to explore what self-care means and how you can create your very own self-care plan. Answer each question carefully and share your thoughts. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer—just be honest and have fun!

Section 1: What is Self-Care?

In your own words, what does self-care mean to you?
List three things you do that help you feel better when you’re having a tough day.
Why do you think self-care is important? How does taking care of yourself help you at school and at home?

Section 2: My Super Self-Care Strategies

Think about a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed. What did you do to feel better? Describe your experience:
Imagine you are a self-care superhero. What powers would you have to help you and your friends feel calm and happy? (Draw your superhero or describe their powers!)
Create a list of your top 5 self-care strategies. These could be things like reading a book, drawing, playing outside, or talking to a friend.

Section 3: Planning for Self-Care

Draw or write down a simple self-care plan. List at least three activities you will do during the week to practice self-care. Consider things that make you feel relaxed, happy, and energized.
How will you remind yourself to take these self-care breaks? Write down one idea or draw a reminder that could help you remember.

Great job, Self-Care Superhero! Keep your worksheet safe and refer to it whenever you need a self-care boost.

Activity

Self-Care Activity: Create Your Self-Care Plan

Welcome, Self-Care Superheroes! In this activity, you will design your own superhero persona whose special power is helping you and your friends practice self-care. Use your creativity and teamwork to build a plan that outlines easy, fun, and practical ways to take care of yourself every day.

Activity Steps

Form Small Groups: Work with 3-4 classmates to discuss what self-care means and share ideas on how to feel good and manage stress.
Design Your Superhero Persona: In your group, come up with a unique name and backstory for your self-care superhero. Consider questions like:
- What special powers or abilities do they have that help them relax or feel empowered?
- How do they help others feel calm and happy?
You can draw your superhero or write a description. Use plenty of colors and have fun!
Create a Self-Care Plan: As a group, brainstorm and list at least three activities that your superhero (and you) can do during the week to practice self-care. These might include activities like taking a walk, reading a book, drawing, or deep breathing exercises. Write down your ideas or draw them out.
Share With The Class: Each group will present their superhero and self-care plan. Explain how each activity helps you feel better and stay calm.

Discussion Prompts

What are some challenges you face when trying to practice self-care?
How might your self-care strategies look different when you are at home versus at school?
How can these strategies help you be a better friend and classmate?

Reflection

Take a moment after your group presentation to reflect on the activity. Write down one new idea you learned from another group that you might add to your personal self-care plan.

Great job, heroes! Remember, just like your superhero, you have the power to take care of yourself every day.