Lesson Plan
Self-Care Toolkit
Students will understand the importance of self-care and develop a personalized toolkit of strategies for maintaining their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Learning about self-care is crucial for middle school students to proactively manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience during a time of significant personal growth and academic pressure.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, reflective activities, and practical exercises.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard, Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck, My Self-Care Blueprint Worksheet, Self-Care Activity Cards, and Reflection Journal: My Self-Care Journey
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the My Self-Care Blueprint Worksheet for each student.
- Print and cut out the Self-Care Activity Cards. Consider laminating them for future use.
- Prepare a projector or smartboard for displaying the slide deck.
- Ensure markers or whiteboard pens are available.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Self-Care?
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: "What comes to mind when you hear 'self-care'?" (2 minutes)
- Introduce the concept of self-care using the Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck (Slides 1-3). (3 minutes)
- Discuss why self-care is important for middle schoolers, linking it to stress, emotions, and overall well-being. (5 minutes)
Step 2
Exploring Self-Care Dimensions
15 minutes
- Use the Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck (Slides 4-7) to introduce the different dimensions of self-care (physical, emotional, mental, social). (5 minutes)
- Facilitate a brief class discussion for each dimension, asking students for examples of activities within each. (10 minutes)
Step 3
Self-Care Activity Exploration
15 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Care Activity Cards to small groups of students. Each group should receive a diverse set of cards. (2 minutes)
- Instruct groups to discuss the activities on their cards and categorize them into the different self-care dimensions. They should also identify which activities resonate most with them. (8 minutes)
- Bring the class back together and have each group share one or two new self-care ideas they discussed. (5 minutes)
Step 4
Building Your Self-Care Blueprint
15 minutes
- Distribute the My Self-Care Blueprint Worksheet to each student. (1 minute)
- Explain the purpose of the worksheet: to create a personalized self-care plan. (2 minutes)
- Guide students through filling out their blueprints, encouraging them to choose activities that genuinely help them. Emphasize that it's okay for their toolkit to be unique to them. (12 minutes)
- Circulate to offer support and answer questions.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson by reminding students that self-care is an ongoing process. (1 minute)
- Assign the Reflection Journal: My Self-Care Journey as homework or an in-class cool-down for later. (1 minute)
- Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one self-care strategy they are excited to try. (3 minutes)
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Your Self-Care Toolkit
Strategies for a Happy, Healthy You!
Welcome students and introduce the topic of self-care. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the term.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care means taking intentional actions to protect and improve your own health and well-being.
It's about noticing what you need and giving it to yourself.
It's NOT selfish, it's essential!
Define self-care in simple terms. Emphasize that it's not selfish, but necessary.
Why is Self-Care Important?
- Manages Stress: Helps you deal with pressure from school, friends, and family.
- Boosts Mood: Makes you feel happier and more positive.
- Increases Energy: Helps you feel rested and ready for challenges.
- Builds Resilience: Helps you bounce back from tough times.
- Improves Focus: Makes it easier to concentrate in school.
Discuss why self-care is particularly important for middle schoolers, touching on stress, growth, and emotions.
Physical Self-Care
Taking care of your body so it can support you.
What are some ways you can take care of your body?
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating nutritious foods
- Staying hydrated
- Moving your body (exercise, sports, dancing)
- Taking a relaxing bath or shower
Introduce the first dimension: Physical Self-Care. Ask students for examples.
Emotional Self-Care
Acknowledging and processing your feelings in healthy ways.
How do you deal with big feelings?
- Expressing emotions (talking, writing, art)
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Setting boundaries (saying no)
- Spending time in nature
- Engaging in hobbies you love
Introduce Emotional Self-Care. Emphasize healthy ways to process feelings.
Mental Self-Care
Keeping your mind stimulated, clear, and calm.
What do you do to relax your mind or keep it sharp?
- Reading a book
- Doing a puzzle or brain game
- Learning something new
- Taking breaks from screens
- Practicing positive self-talk
Introduce Mental Self-Care. Discuss ways to keep your mind healthy and engaged.
Social Self-Care
Nurturing healthy connections with others.
Who makes you feel good? How do you connect with them?
- Spending time with friends and family
- Connecting with mentors or role models
- Participating in group activities or clubs
- Offering or accepting help
- Limiting time with people who bring you down
Introduce Social Self-Care. Highlight the importance of healthy relationships.
Activity: Self-Care Exploration
We're going to explore different self-care activities and see how they fit into the dimensions we just learned about!
Get ready to discover new ways to care for yourself!
Transition to the activity where students will explore different self-care ideas.
Building Your Self-Care Blueprint
Now it's time to build your personalized self-care toolkit!
Think about what truly helps you feel better, less stressed, and more yourself.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to self-care!
Explain the purpose of creating a personal toolkit.
Remember Your Toolkit!
- Self-care is essential, not selfish.
- It has many dimensions (physical, emotional, mental, social).
- Your toolkit is unique to you.
- Practice self-care regularly to stay healthy and happy!
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to practice self-care regularly.
Worksheet
My Self-Care Blueprint: Prioritizing My Well-being
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Self-care is about taking care of yourself so you can be your best! Use this worksheet to create your own personalized self-care toolkit. Think about activities that genuinely help you feel calm, happy, energized, and balanced.
1. Physical Self-Care (Taking care of your body)
What do you do to keep your body feeling good and energized? Think about sleep, food, water, and movement.
My Top 3 Physical Self-Care Activities:
2. Emotional Self-Care (Managing your feelings)
How do you process your feelings in a healthy way? Think about expressing emotions, relaxing, or finding joy.
My Top 3 Emotional Self-Care Activities:
3. Mental Self-Care (Caring for your mind)
What helps your mind stay calm, focused, and engaged? Think about learning, resting your brain, or positive thinking.
My Top 3 Mental Self-Care Activities:
4. Social Self-Care (Nurturing your relationships)
How do you connect with others in a way that makes you feel supported and happy? Think about friends, family, or community.
My Top 3 Social Self-Care Activities:
My Go-To Self-Care Plan
When I'm feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a boost, here are 3 things from my toolkit I will try first:
Remember: Self-care is a journey, not a destination! Be kind to yourself and keep exploring what works best for YOU.
Activity
Self-Care Activity Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards. In your groups, discuss each activity. Decide which dimension of self-care it best fits (Physical, Emotional, Mental, or Social). Be ready to share your ideas!
Card 1
Read a book for fun
Card 2
Take a short walk outside
Card 3
Listen to your favorite music
Card 4
Talk to a trusted friend or family member
Card 5
Draw, paint, or color
Card 6
Get 8-10 hours of sleep
Card 7
Drink a glass of water
Card 8
Write in a journal about your feelings
Card 9
Play a board game with friends
Card 10
Do a puzzle
Card 11
Stretch or do some yoga
Card 12
Watch a funny video
Card 13
Help someone else (volunteer, do a chore for a sibling)
Card 14
Take a break from social media/screens
Card 15
Cook or bake something you enjoy
Card 16
Practice deep breathing for 2 minutes
Card 17
Do something creative (build with LEGOs, craft)
Card 18
Spend time with a pet
Card 19
Set a small, achievable goal for yourself
Card 20
Say "no" to something you don't have time for
Card 21
Eat a healthy snack
Card 22
Tidy up your space for 10 minutes
Card 23
Plan a fun outing with family
Card 24
Reflect on 3 things you're grateful for
Journal
Reflection Journal: My Self-Care Journey
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
This journal is a space for you to think more deeply about your self-care practices. Take your time with these prompts and be honest with yourself.
Prompt 1: My Current Self-Care
What does self-care look like for you right now? List 3-5 things you already do to take care of your physical, emotional, mental, or social well-being (even small things!).
What makes you feel good when you do these things?
Prompt 2: New Discoveries
From the lesson or the activity cards, what is one new self-care activity you learned about today that you are curious to try? Why does it appeal to you?
How do you think this activity might benefit you?
Prompt 3: Facing Challenges
Sometimes it can be hard to make time for self-care. What are some things that might get in the way of you practicing self-care? (e.g., homework, distractions, feeling too tired)
What is one small step you could take to overcome one of these challenges?
Prompt 4: My Self-Care Superpower
If you could only pick one self-care activity to do every day for a week, what would it be and why? How do you think that consistent practice would make you feel?
Remember: Your self-care journey is personal and unique. Be patient and kind to yourself as you explore what works best to keep you happy and healthy! You've got this! ✨