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The Art of Self-Compassion

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Introduce self-compassion as a tool to counteract stress and perfectionism, empowering students to develop inner strength and emotional resilience.

Encouraging self-compassion helps students manage stress and perfectionism by fostering kindness towards themselves and promoting emotional well-being.

Audience

9th and 11th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Discussions, journaling, and reflective exercises.

Materials

Lesson Plan, Slide Deck for Self-Compassion, and Reflective Journal Template

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief introduction to self-compassion and its benefits.
  • Pose open-ended questions to gauge student understanding about self-kindness and stress management.
  • Use the Slide Deck for Self-Compassion to visually supplement your explanation.

Step 2

Guided Discussion

20 minutes

  • Facilitate a group discussion emphasizing the role of self-compassion in overcoming perfectionism.
  • Encourage students to share personal experiences in a supportive environment.
  • Guide students through reflective questions using the slide deck visuals.

Step 3

Reflective Journaling

20 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflective Journal Template to each student.
  • Ask students to write about a time when they were hard on themselves and explore alternative ways to respond with compassion.
  • Encourage sharing with a peer or in small groups if comfortable.

Step 4

Wrap-Up

10 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways on self-compassion.
  • Invite a few students to share insights from their journaling.
  • Close with practical tips for daily self-compassion practices.
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Slide Deck

The Art of Self-Compassion

Understanding that being kind to yourself is a powerful tool to counteract stress and the pressure of perfectionism.

Introduce the concept of self-compassion and its importance in managing stress and perfectionism. Emphasize that self-compassion isn't about letting oneself off the hook but rather about treating oneself with the kindness that you'd offer a friend.

What is Self-Compassion?

Self-Compassion involves:
• Self-Kindness
• Recognition of Shared Human Experience
• Mindfulness

Discuss the definition of self-compassion and its components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Encourage students to think of times when they were hard on themselves.

Benefits of Self-Compassion

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Counteracts perfectionism
• Builds emotional resilience

Use this slide to highlight how practicing self-compassion can build inner strength and resilience in the face of challenges.

Reflective Questions

• When have you been hard on yourself?
• How might you show yourself compassion in that moment?

Guide the class through reflective questions. Prompt students to think about a time they were self-critical and explore how they could respond with compassion.

Practical Tips

• Practice mindful self-talk
• Celebrate small victories
• Remember that mistakes are part of learning

Conclude the presentation with actionable tips for practicing self-compassion daily. Encourage students to try these practical exercises.

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Journal

Reflective Journal: Embracing Self-Compassion

Welcome to your reflective journal on self-compassion. In this space, you'll explore moments when you were hard on yourself and think about ways you can show kindness and understanding to your inner self. Take your time with each prompt and be honest with your thoughts.





Prompt 1: A Moment of Self-Criticism

Recall a time when you were especially critical of yourself. Describe the situation in detail. What were the circumstances? How did you feel in that moment?










Prompt 2: Reframing the Narrative

Looking back at the experience you just described, how could you have treated yourself with more kindness? Write about an alternative response where you showed self-compassion.










Prompt 3: Identifying Compassionate Actions

List three ways you can practice self-compassion in your daily life. These can be simple acts, like mindful self-talk, or broader practices like journaling or meditation.










Prompt 4: Growth Through Self-Kindness

Reflect on how practicing self-compassion might help you build resilience against stress and perfectionism. What positive impacts could this have on your academic and personal life?










Take your time to revisit these prompts as needed, and remember: being kind to yourself is a key step in nurturing your inner strength and emotional well-being.

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The Art of Self-Compassion • Lenny Learning