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The Winter Pause

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Lesson Plan

The Winter Pause Lesson Plan

To equip students with self-regulation tools, fostering a sense of peace and intentionality amidst the holiday rush by teaching practical strategies for managing stress and finding moments of calm during busy times.

This lesson is important because it provides students with essential coping mechanisms for stress, enabling them to navigate busy periods, like the winter break, with greater calm and intentionality. These self-regulation tools are lifelong skills that promote well-being.

Audience

7th-8th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Guided mindfulness, reflective discussions, and creative planning for downtime.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, The Winter Pause Slide Deck, Finding Your Calm Worksheet, and My Calm Corner Activity Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up: What's the Rush?

10 minutes

  • Hook: Begin by asking students, "What does 'rush' mean to you? How does it feel when you're rushing?" (2 min)
  • Share Learning Objective: Introduce the lesson title, "The Winter Pause: Finding Calm in the Rush," and explain the objective using The Winter Pause Slide Deck (Slide 1-2). (3 min)
  • Brainstorm Stressors: On the board, create a mind map of things that make students feel rushed or stressed, especially around the holidays. (5 min)
    • Teacher Note: Encourage a safe space for sharing. Acknowledge that everyone experiences stress differently.

Step 2

Mindfulness Moment: Anchoring Ourselves

15 minutes

  • Introduce Mindfulness: Explain mindfulness as paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Use The Winter Pause Slide Deck (Slide 3) to guide this. (2 min)
  • Guided Breathing Exercise: Lead students through a simple 3-5 minute guided breathing exercise. Play calming music if appropriate. (5 min)
    • Teacher Note: Encourage students to close their eyes if comfortable, or focus on a still point in the room. Provide gentle prompts to bring their attention back to their breath.
  • Quick Reflection: Ask students to briefly share how they feel after the exercise. What did they notice? (8 min)
    • Prompts: Did anything feel different? Was it hard to focus? What was one thing you noticed?

Step 3

Understanding Stress & Calm: Discussion and Worksheet

20 minutes

  • Discussion on Stress: Facilitate a brief discussion using The Winter Pause Slide Deck (Slide 4) about common stressors and how they manifest (e.g., feeling tired, irritable, difficulty concentrating). (5 min)
  • Introduce Finding Your Calm Worksheet: Distribute the worksheet. Explain that students will explore their personal stressors and begin to identify calming strategies. (2 min)
  • Individual Work: Allow students 10 minutes to work independently on the Finding Your Calm Worksheet. Circulate to provide support and answer questions. (10 min)
  • Share & Discuss: Bring the class back together to share some of their identified calming strategies (e.g., listening to music, spending time in nature, talking to a friend). (3 min)

Step 4

My Calm Corner: Creative Planning

10 minutes

  • Introduce Activity: Explain the My Calm Corner Activity Guide where students will create a plan for their personal calming space. Use The Winter Pause Slide Deck (Slide 5). (2 min)
  • Independent Work: Give students 8 minutes to begin working on their My Calm Corner Activity Guide. Encourage them to be creative and think about what truly brings them peace, whether it's a real or imagined space, or a collection of sensory elements and activities. (8 min)

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Carrying Calm Forward

5 minutes

  • Share Out (Optional): Invite a few students to share one idea from their My Calm Corner Activity Guide or one new calming strategy they learned today. (3 min)
  • Positive Closing: Emphasize that finding calm is a continuous practice and encourage students to use these strategies, especially during the upcoming winter break. (2 min)

Step 6

Optional Extension Activity

Variable

  • Students can complete the My Calm Corner Activity Guide at home, drawing or writing more details about their ideal calming space. Encourage them to actually create a physical or mental 'Calm Corner' during the break.
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Slide Deck

The Winter Pause: Finding Calm in the Rush

How does it feel when you're rushing? What does 'rush' mean to you?

Welcome students and set a calm tone. Ask the hook question to engage them immediately.

Our Goal Today

Learn practical strategies to manage stress.
Discover ways to find calm during busy times.
Equip ourselves with self-regulation tools for peace and intentionality.

Clearly state the lesson's purpose and what students will gain.

Mindfulness Moment: Anchoring Ourselves

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, without judgment.

Let's try a guided breathing exercise.

Introduce mindfulness simply. Guide the breathing exercise from the lesson plan.

Understanding Stress & Finding Your Calm

What are some things that make us feel rushed or stressed?
How does stress show up in our bodies and minds?

Let's explore personal calming techniques with the Finding Your Calm Worksheet.

Facilitate a discussion about common stressors and introduce the worksheet.

My Calm Corner: Your Personal Retreat

Imagine a place where you feel completely calm and at peace.

We'll use the My Calm Corner Activity Guide to plan our own personal calming space, real or imagined.

Explain the 'My Calm Corner' activity and encourage creative planning.

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Worksheet

Finding Your Calm Worksheet

Part 1: My Stressors

  1. What are some things that make you feel rushed or stressed, especially as the winter break approaches?






  2. How does your body feel when you are stressed or rushing? (e.g., tense shoulders, fast heart, tired)






  3. How does your mind feel when you are stressed or rushing? (e.g., worried thoughts, difficulty focusing)






Part 2: My Calming Strategies

  1. Think about a time you felt calm and peaceful. What were you doing? Where were you?






  2. What are 3 things you can do to help yourself feel calmer when you are stressed?










  3. What is one small step you can take today or this week to bring more calm into your day?






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Activity

My Calm Corner Activity Guide

Your Mission:

Imagine and plan your ultimate "Calm Corner" – a physical or mental space where you can go to feel relaxed, peaceful, and centered, especially when things get hectic.

This isn't just about a physical place; it's about the tools, thoughts, and actions you can use to create calm wherever you are.

Step 1: Brainstorm What Makes YOU Feel Calm

Think about your senses and what brings you peace. Jot down ideas for each category:

  • Sight: What colors, objects, or views make you feel calm? (e.g., soft lighting, plants, a favorite picture)




  • Sound: What sounds help you relax? (e.g., quiet music, nature sounds, silence)




  • Smell: Are there any scents that bring you comfort? (e.g., lavender, fresh air, a cozy candle - if appropriate and safe)




  • Touch: What textures or sensations are soothing? (e.g., soft blanket, smooth stone, a warm mug)




  • Taste: Are there any comforting tastes or drinks? (e.g., warm tea, a favorite healthy snack)




  • Activities/Thoughts: What activities or thoughts help you unwind? (e.g., reading, drawing, deep breathing, positive affirmations)




Step 2: Design Your Calm Corner

On a separate piece of paper, or in the space below, draw or write about your ideal Calm Corner. Think about:

  • Where is it? (Real or imaginary? A spot in your room? A place in nature? A mental space you can access anywhere?)
  • What does it look like? (Include colors, objects, and overall atmosphere)
  • What sounds would you hear (or not hear)?
  • What smells would be present?
  • What would you touch or hold?
  • What activities would you do there?









































Step 3: Plan Your Calm Routine

How will you use your Calm Corner? Write down a small plan for how you can incorporate moments of calm into your busy day, even if you don't have a dedicated

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