Lesson Plan
The Winter Wellness Wheel
Students will identify and practice self-care strategies specific to colder months and the holiday season, empowering them to maintain well-being through physical and emotional health activities.
This lesson provides students with practical tools to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook during colder months and the holiday season, fostering resilience and self-awareness.
Audience
4th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through a customizable 'wellness wheel' activity, encouraging personal choice and regular reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck, Winter Wellness Wheel Activity, and My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: The Winter Wellness Wheel Lesson Plan, Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck, Winter Wellness Wheel Activity, and My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet.
- Gather necessary supplies: markers, pens, and ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
- Print copies of the My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet for each student.
- Familiarize yourself with the concept of a wellness wheel and examples of winter self-care strategies.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Wellness?
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to feel good?" and "What does it mean to be healthy?" (physically and emotionally).
- Introduce the concept of 'wellness' as taking care of our whole selves, especially during the winter and holiday season.
- Use Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck (Slides 1-2) to guide this discussion. Ask students to share some initial ideas for staying well in winter. Record responses on the whiteboard.
Step 2
Introducing the Winter Wellness Wheel
15 minutes
- Present the idea of a 'wellness wheel' as a tool to think about different ways we can take care of ourselves.
- Display Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck (Slides 3-5), explaining each category (e.g., Physical Health, Emotional Health, Social Connections, Creative Expression, Quiet Time).
- Lead a class brainstorming session for each category, focusing on winter-specific ideas (e.g., Physical: playing in snow, warm drinks; Emotional: talking about feelings, cozy activities; Social: family gatherings, board games; Creative: making gifts, drawing; Quiet Time: reading, listening to music). Record ideas on the board or chart paper.
Step 3
Designing My Winter Wellness Wheel
20 minutes
- Distribute the My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet.
- Explain that students will create their own personal Winter Wellness Wheel. Go through the instructions on the Winter Wellness Wheel Activity.
- Encourage students to choose activities that genuinely appeal to them and are realistic to do.
- Circulate around the room, offering guidance and support as students fill in their wheels.
- Play some calm background music during this activity to create a reflective atmosphere.
Step 4
Share and Reflect
10 minutes
- Invite students to share one or two aspects of their My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet with a partner or the whole class.
- Discuss: "Why did you choose these activities?" "How do you think these activities will help you feel well this winter?"
- Emphasize that self-care is personal and can change. The goal is to be mindful of what helps us stay balanced.
- Use Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck (Slide 6) for a concluding thought.
Step 5
Conclusion & Challenge
5 minutes
- Summarize the importance of self-care, especially during the winter season.
- Challenge students to try one activity from their Winter Wellness Wheel this week. Say: "This week, pick one thing from your wheel and try it out! See how it makes you feel."
- Congratulate students on creating their personalized wellness plans. Reinforce that taking care of themselves is a super important skill.
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Slide Deck
The Winter Wellness Wheel: Taking Care of YOU!
How can we stay happy and healthy when it's cold outside and the holidays are here?
Welcome students and set a cozy, reflective tone. Ask open-ended questions to activate prior knowledge about feeling good and being healthy. Emphasize that health isn't just about not being sick.
What is Wellness?
Wellness means taking care of your whole self!
- Physical Health: How your body feels.
- Emotional Health: How your feelings are.
Why is it extra important in winter and during the holidays?
Introduce the idea of 'wellness' as taking care of your whole self – mind, body, and feelings. Ask students for examples of what makes them feel good, especially in winter.
Your Wellness Wheel: A Map for Feeling Good!
Imagine a wheel with different sections.
Each section is a different way we can take care of ourselves.
It helps us remember all the different things that make us feel balanced and happy!
Introduce the wellness wheel as a visual tool. Explain that it helps us see different areas of our lives where we can practice self-care. It's like a map for feeling good!
Spin Your Wheel: Wellness Categories!
1. Physical Health: Activities that make your body feel strong and energized.
- Think: Staying active, warm drinks, healthy snacks.
2. Emotional Health: Activities that help you understand and manage your feelings.
- Think: Talking, cozy time, expressing feelings.
Explain each category briefly and start brainstorming. Encourage winter-specific examples. For 'Physical Health', think about staying active and nourished. For 'Emotional Health', focus on managing feelings.
More Wellness Wheel Categories!
3. Social Connections: Spending time with people who make you happy.
- Think: Family fun, friend games, helping others.
4. Creative Expression: Doing things that let your imagination fly.
- Think: Art, music, writing, making gifts.
5. Quiet Time: Moments of calm to relax your mind.
- Think: Reading, listening, just being still.
Continue with the remaining categories, prompting for winter-themed ideas. 'Social Connections' could involve family or friends. 'Creative Expression' and 'Quiet Time' are important for inner balance.
Your Winter Wellness Journey
Your Winter Wellness Wheel is a special plan just for you!
Use it to:
- Find activities that make you happy.
- Remember to take care of your whole self.
- Have a healthy and joyful winter season!
Conclude by reiterating the personalized nature of self-care and the ongoing benefits of using the wheel. Give them a final encouraging thought.
Activity
Winter Wellness Wheel Activity
Objective: To create your very own personalized Winter Wellness Wheel filled with activities that help you feel happy and healthy during the colder months!
Instructions:
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Get Ready: You will need your My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet and something to write and color with.
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Understand the Categories: Remember the five important areas of wellness we discussed:
- Physical Health: How you take care of your body (movement, food, rest).
- Emotional Health: How you handle your feelings (talking, relaxing, expressing).
- Social Connections: Spending time with people you care about.
- Creative Expression: Using your imagination (art, music, writing).
- Quiet Time: Moments of calm and peace for yourself.
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Brainstorm Winter Wellness Ideas: For each category on your worksheet, think of 2-3 specific activities that are perfect for winter or the holiday season. These should be things you enjoy and can actually do.
- Example for Physical Health: Instead of just "exercise," think "Go for a walk in the snow," "Do a short indoor dance party," or "Drink warm apple cider."
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Fill in Your Wheel: Write your chosen activities clearly in the correct sections of your My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet.
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Decorate Your Wheel (Optional): Once you have filled in all the sections, you can color and decorate your wheel to make it truly your own! Make it as bright and cheerful as the winter season can be!
Remember: This is your personal wellness plan. There are no right or wrong answers, only what feels good and healthy for YOU! Keep your wheel somewhere you can see it as a reminder to take care of yourself this winter.
Worksheet
My Winter Wellness Wheel
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
This Winter Wellness Wheel is your personal guide to staying happy and healthy during the colder months and holiday season. Think about what makes you feel good in each area, and write down 2-3 activities you can do!
Instructions:
- For each section of the wheel below, brainstorm and write down 2-3 activities that help you feel well in that area, especially during winter.
- Try to think of specific things you enjoy and that are realistic for you to do.
The Winter Wellness Wheel
(Imagine a circle divided into 5 pie slices. You will write your ideas in each slice.)
1. Physical Health (How do I take care of my body?)
2. Emotional Health (How do I manage my feelings and stay calm?)
3. Social Connections (Who makes me feel loved and supported?)
4. Creative Expression (How do I use my imagination and create?)
5. Quiet Time (How do I find peace and rest?)
Reflection:
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What is one activity from your Winter Wellness Wheel that you are excited to try this week?
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How do you think this activity will help you feel better?