Teacher Script: Leading Self-Care Discussions

Welcome, everyone! Today, we're going to explore how to take care of ourselves, which is a superpower that helps us feel strong and ready to tackle any challenge.

Warm-Up

"Alright class, let's start by thinking about a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed. Can anyone share one thing you do that helps you feel better when you're feeling that way?"

[Pause for responses and write a few answers on the board.]

"These are wonderful examples! Remember, self-care is all about finding little ways to take care of yourself so you can be the best version of you."

Introduction to Self-Care

"Now, let's talk about what self-care really means. Self-care is when you take time to look after your mind, body, and emotions. It doesn't just mean eating or sleeping; it also means doing things that make you feel happy and relaxed."

"Why do you think self-care is important? How can it help you both at school and outside of school?"

[Encourage a few responses and briefly discuss each, highlighting how self-care helps them manage stress and improve focus at school.]

Connecting to the Slide Deck

"I’m going to show you some slides that outline different self-care strategies. Look for ideas that you think might work well in your daily life. As you watch, think about which strategies you already practice and which new ideas you might like to try."

[After the slide deck, ask:] "What strategy stood out to you the most? Why?"

[Allow a few students to share their thoughts.]

Video Discussion

"Now, let's watch the video called 'Circle Of Control Activity For Kids.' This video shows us how to focus on what we can actually change in our lives, even when things seem tough. After we watch it, we'll chat about how that idea might help us in our own self-care practices."

[Watch the video together, then ask:]

"What did you notice about the things that were in our control, versus the things that weren't? How can focusing on what you can control help you feel better when things go wrong?"

[Encourage open discussion and validate all responses.]

Interactive Activity Discussion

"Next, we played a fun game called Self-Care Bingo. I’d love to hear how working with your group helped you learn more about self-care. What was one new idea or strategy you learned from your teammates?"

[Allow time for group discussion and share-out.]

Activity Reflection

"Before we finish, I want each of you to think about your own self-care plan. Can someone share one self-care action you’re going to commit to this week? It might be a new strategy you saw today or something you already do but want to improve on."

[Listen to responses and encourage positivity.]

Cool Down

"Great job today, everyone! As we wrap up, please take a few moments for our end-of-class journaling. Write about one self-care strategy you plan to try this week and why it’s important to you."

"Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and remember: taking care of yourself is a powerful way to help you succeed in school and in life. Keep practicing your self-care superpowers!"

"Have a wonderful rest of your day, and I'll see you next time."

Interactive Game: Self-Care Bingo

This fun and engaging game reinforces the self-care strategies explored in class. Students will fill out their bingo cards with various self-care actions and examples. The game encourages teamwork, sharing, and discussion as students recognize and celebrate their personal self-care practices.

Game Setup

1. Materials Needed:

   • Printed Self-Care Bingo cards for each student or group (available in the Self-Care Superpowers Lesson Plan).
   • Bingo markers (could be small stickers, chips, or paper pieces).
   • A list of self-care prompts corresponding to the entries on the bingo cards.

2. Bingo Card Content:
   Each card includes various self-care actions such as:

   • Getting enough sleep
   • Eating a healthy snack
   • Taking a walk outdoors
   • Practicing deep breathing
   • Writing in a journal
   • Spending time with a friend
   • Listening to calming music
   • Doing a creative activity (drawing, painting, etc.)

How to Play

1. Divide Students:

   • Split the class into small groups or have students play individually.

2. Explaining the Game:

   • Explain that each square on the bingo card represents a self-care action. As you call out a self-care activity or prompt, students will mark off the corresponding square if it appears on their card.
   • Encourage students to share brief personal examples when they mark a square (e.g., "I went for a walk yesterday when I was feeling stressed."), fostering a supportive environment.

3. Game Rounds:

   • The teacher calls out self-care prompts randomly. Examples:
     • "Share a time when you felt calm after doing something creative."
     • "Who here practices deep breathing when they get anxious?"
     • "Tell us about a healthy snack you enjoy."
   • When a student has a full row, column, or diagonal marked off, they shout "Bingo!".

4. Winning and Discussion:

   • The first student or group to complete a line wins the round.
   • After the round, invite several winners to share the self-care strategies associated with their bingo wins. Discuss how those practices can help them thrive daily.

Follow-Up Points

• Encourage Reflection: Ask students to reflect on which self-care strategies are most helpful and why.
• Class Discussion: Facilitate a brief group discussion on the importance of these strategies for managing stress and promoting well-being.
• Tie-In with Lesson: Reinforce how the strategies learned in this game link back to the overall self-care concepts introduced during the lesson.

Enjoy your Self-Care Bingo—learning and self-care can indeed be a superpower!

Activity Guide: Create Your Self-Care Plan

In this activity, you'll create your own personal self-care plan. This plan will include the things you can do every day to help you feel happy, relaxed, and ready to learn. Follow the steps and prompts below to build your plan.

Step 1: Reflection

Before you start, take a moment to think about how you feel at different times during your day. Answer these questions in your journal or on a piece of paper:

• What are some things that make you feel stressed or tired?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What activities make you feel better or help you relax?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Brainstorm Self-Care Ideas

Write down as many self-care ideas as you can think of. These ideas can include activities for your mind, body, and emotions. Here are a few examples to help you get started:

• Mind: Reading a book, doing puzzles, meditating.
  
• Body: Taking a walk, eating a healthy snack, stretching.
  
• Emotions: Listening to music, talking to a friend, journaling about your feelings.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Now, it’s your turn! List your ideas here:

Step 3: Choose Your Top Self-Care Actions

Look at the ideas you've brainstormed. Choose 3 to 5 activities that you think will really help you manage stress and feel your best. Write them down below.

(You can add more if you'd like!)

Step 4: Create a Daily Self-Care Plan

Using the activities you chose, make a schedule for how you can include them in your daily routine. Answer the following questions:

• When during your day can you do these activities? (e.g., after school, before homework)
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How long can you spend on each activity?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Who can help remind or support you to take time for yourself?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Write down your plan below. It can be a list or a small schedule:

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Step 5: Set a Self-Care Goal

Choose one self-care action that you want to try for the whole week. Write it down and explain why you chose it.

My goal for this week:

Why I chose this goal:

Reflection Questions

At the end of the week, reflect on your self-care plan by answering these questions:

• Which activities did you enjoy the most?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How did doing these activities affect your mood or energy level?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What can you change in your self-care plan to make it even better next week?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Keep this guide and your plan safe. Check it often to remind yourself that taking care of YOU is a superpower!

Project Outline: Self-Care Superpowers Poster

This project invites students to creatively express what they've learned about self-care and design a poster that highlights key strategies to help them thrive. The poster will not only serve as a visual representation of their understanding but also a reminder of the self-care practices they can use every day.

Objectives

• Summarize key self-care strategies learned during the lesson.
• Illustrate personal reflections on the importance of self-care.
• Create a visual reminder that can be displayed in the classroom or at home.

Materials Needed

• Paper or poster board
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Ruler and pencil for planning designs (optional)
• Any decorative items (stickers, magazine cutouts, etc.)

Instructions

1. Brainstorming (10 minutes):
   

   • Reflect on the self-care strategies discussed during the lesson.
     
   • Write down or sketch ideas on how to represent these strategies visually. Consider using symbols, drawings, or key phrases that resonate with you.
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Design Phase (20 minutes):
   

   • Begin planning your poster on paper. Decide on a layout that includes a title, images, and key self-care messages.
     
   • Think about how you can make your poster both creative and informative. How can you use colors and shapes to attract attention?
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Creation (30 minutes):
   

   • Create your final poster on the provided poster board or paper.
     
   • Include a clear title, such as "My Self-Care Superpowers" or "Self-Care Strategies for Success."
     
   • Make sure to incorporate the key self-care strategies discussed, such as getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, eating nutritious foods, and more.
     
   • Add any personal touches that show what self-care means to you.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Presentation and Reflection (10 minutes):
   

   • Present your poster to the class or in small groups, explaining the elements and self-care practices you've included.
     
   • Answer the following reflection questions:
     • What self-care strategy is most important to you and why?
       
     • How does your poster remind you to take care of yourself daily?
       
       
       
       
       
       

Evaluation

• Creativity: Is the poster visually appealing and original?
• Content: Does the poster clearly represent the self-care strategies discussed?
• Reflection: Are the personal insights and reflections evident in the design?
• Presentation: Is the explanation clear and engaging when shared with others?

Enjoy your project and let your self-care superpowers shine through your poster creation!

Warm Up Activity: Quick Reflection

Welcome, everyone! Let's take a few minutes to think about our self-care routines. Think about a moment when you felt stressed or overwhelmed, and consider one thing that you do to make yourself feel better.

Quick Reflection Prompt:

• Write down one self-care action you already do to help you relax or feel happier.
  
  
  
  
  
  

After writing, feel free to share your thoughts with a partner or with the class. This is a chance to learn from each other and recognize the small habits that help us thrive every day!

Cool Down Reflection: End-of-Class Journaling

As we wind down today’s session, it's time to reflect on what we've learned about self-care. Use the space below to journal your thoughts and set a personal goal for your self-care practice.

Reflection Prompts:

1. What self-care strategy from today's lesson resonated with you the most? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe one change you plan to make in your daily routine to include this strategy.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think this change will help you feel better or manage stress in the future?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Take your time to write your thoughts. This is a personal reflection, so be honest and thoughtful. Your reflection can be as brief or as detailed as you like.