lenny

The Art of Self-Compassion

Lesson Plan

The Art of Self-Compassion Lesson Plan

Guide students in understanding and practicing self-compassion to manage stress and perfectionism while fostering inner emotional resilience.

Self-compassion builds inner strength and emotional balance, empowering students to treat themselves kindly amidst academic and personal pressures.

Audience

9th and 11th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and reflective journaling exercises.

Materials

The Art of Self-Compassion Lesson Plan, Self-Compassion Slide Deck, and Self-Compassion Journal

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Establishing Context

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of self-compassion by discussing its importance in managing stress and perfectionism.
  • Use the slide deck to present key concepts and relatable examples.
  • Ask students reflective questions to spark interest.

Step 2

Interactive Discussion

15 minutes

  • Facilitate a class discussion on personal experiences with self-criticism and the benefits of self-compassion.
  • Encourage students to share thoughts and listen actively to peers.
  • Highlight strategies for being kind to oneself during challenging times.

Step 3

Reflective Journaling

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Compassion Journal to each student.
  • Prompt students to write about a time they were harsh on themselves and explore ways they could have responded with self-compassion.
  • Allow quiet time for personal reflection and writing.

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Sharing

10 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share excerpts from their journals if comfortable.
  • Summarize key takeaways and reinforce self-compassion techniques.
  • Highlight the importance of ongoing self-reflection and mindfulness.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome to Self-Compassion

Today we'll explore the art of being kind to ourselves, especially in tough times or under pressure.

Introduce the concept of self-compassion. Encourage students to think of self-kindness as a tool to combat stress and set a positive tone for the discussion.

What is Self-Compassion?

Learn the three key elements:
• Self-Kindness
• Common Humanity
• Mindfulness

Discuss the definition of self-compassion and explain the three components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Use real-life examples relevant to high school students.

Why Practice Self-Compassion?

Benefits include:
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved resilience
• Enhanced self-esteem

Share examples and ask reflective questions. Engage students by asking if they've ever been too hard on themselves during challenges.

Reflect and Share

Reflective Questions:

  • Can you recall a time when you were too hard on yourself?
  • How might self-compassion have eased the situation?

Show discussion prompts on the slide. Encourage group sharing of experiences and foster a supportive atmosphere.

Journaling Activity

Take 15 minutes to write about a personal experience where you were self-critical.
Consider how you might express self-compassion in that moment.

Provide instructions for the reflective journaling activity. Remind students to write openly and honestly to benefit from the exercise.

Wrap-Up & Takeaways

Key Points:
• Self-compassion promotes resilience.
• It is an ongoing practice.
• Small acts of kindness towards yourself can make a big difference.

Summarize and close the lesson by encouraging students to apply self-compassion in their daily lives. Invite any volunteers to briefly share how they plan to use these insights.

lenny

Journal

Self-Compassion Journal

This journal is designed to provide you with reflective prompts that encourage you to explore your experiences with self-criticism and discover ways to respond with self-compassion. Use this time to write openly and honestly about your feelings, and allow yourself to experience growth and healing.

Journal Prompts

1. Reflect on a Challenging Moment

Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by stress or criticized yourself harshly. Describe what happened, how you felt at the time, and why you think you were so self-critical.





2. Alternative Perspective

Imagine if a close friend had experienced the same situation. What advice or supportive words would you offer them? How might you apply these compassionate thoughts to yourself instead?





3. The Role of Self-Compassion

Write about what self-compassion means to you. What are some small acts of kindness you can offer yourself daily to build resilience? Consider future situations where you can remember to be kinder to yourself.





4. Recognizing Personal Strength

Reflect on a time when being kind to yourself helped you overcome a difficult challenge. What did you learn about your inner strength and capacity for growth?





Take your time with these prompts. There is no right or wrong way to explore your feelings – simply allow your thoughts and emotions to flow onto the page.

lenny
lenny