Lesson Plan
Winter Wellness Warm-Up
Students will identify simple, effective self-care strategies they can use to maintain their well-being during the winter months and holiday break.
This lesson is important because it empowers students with practical self-care tools, promoting resilience and a positive mindset as they navigate the unique demands of the season. Learning these strategies will help them manage energy, stay connected, and find calm.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, activities, and reflection, students will explore and practice self-care.
Materials
Winter Wellness Warm-Up Slide Deck, Self-Care Snowflake Activity, My Winter Wellness Plan Worksheet, and Winter Reflections Journal Prompt
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review the Winter Wellness Warm-Up Slide Deck and lesson plan.
- Print copies of the Self-Care Snowflake Activity (one per student).
- Print copies of the My Winter Wellness Plan Worksheet (one per student).
- Ensure access to writing materials for students.
- Prepare a space for group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Wellness?
10 minutes
- Begin with a quick Warm-Up to gauge students' initial thoughts on 'wellness' or 'taking care of yourself.'
2. Use the Winter Wellness Warm-Up Slide Deck to introduce the concept of wellness, especially during winter.
3. Facilitate a brief class discussion using prompts from the slide deck.
Step 2
Exploring Self-Care Categories
15 minutes
- Introduce the three categories of self-care: Managing Energy, Staying Connected, and Finding Calm using the Winter Wellness Warm-Up Slide Deck.
2. Lead a brainstorming session for each category. Ask students to share examples of what they already do or what they think would help in each area.
3. Record ideas on the board or chart paper.
Step 3
Self-Care Snowflake Activity
20 minutes
- Distribute the Self-Care Snowflake Activity to each student.
2. Explain the instructions: students will write or draw self-care strategies they can use during winter on each 'flake' of the snowflake, categorizing them into Energy, Connection, and Calm.
3. Circulate and provide support as students work. Encourage creativity and personal relevance.
Step 4
My Winter Wellness Plan
10 minutes
- Hand out the My Winter Wellness Plan Worksheet.
2. Guide students through completing the worksheet, prompting them to choose 2-3 specific strategies from their snowflake activity that they commit to trying.
3. Emphasize that plans can be flexible and that even small steps make a difference.
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with a Cool Down activity, asking students to share one new idea they learned or a self-care strategy they are excited to try.
2. Assign the Winter Reflections Journal Prompt as homework or for independent reflection.
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Slide Deck
Winter Wellness Warm-Up
Taking Care of YOU During the Winter Season!
What does it mean to be 'well'?
What helps you feel your best?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of winter wellness. Ask what 'wellness' means to them. Facilitate a brief discussion.
Why Winter Wellness?
Winter can be a tricky season...
- Shorter days: Less sunlight!
- Holiday hustle: Exciting, but busy!
- School breaks: Changes in routine.
Self-Care is about taking care of your mind and body!
Explain that winter can bring unique challenges (shorter days, holidays, school breaks). Emphasize that self-care is about proactively taking steps to feel good.
Managing Your Energy
How can you keep your energy up?
- Sleep: Getting enough rest
- Food: Eating nourishing meals and snacks
- Movement: Even a little bit helps!
What are some ways you manage your energy?
Introduce the first category: Managing Energy. Prompt students for ideas. Link to the idea of healthy habits.
Staying Connected
Feeling close to others helps us feel good!
- Friends & Family: Spending time with loved ones
- Talking it out: Sharing your feelings
- Helping others: Volunteering or small acts of kindness
How do you stay connected with people you care about?
Introduce the second category: Staying Connected. Discuss the importance of friends and family, and how to maintain those connections even when busy.
Finding Moments of Calm
The winter season can be busy. How can you relax?
- Quiet time: Reading, drawing, listening to music
- Deep breaths: Simple exercises to calm your body
- Nature: Spending time outdoors (even bundled up!)
What helps you feel peaceful and calm?
Introduce the third category: Finding Calm. Discuss different ways to relax and de-stress, emphasizing that it looks different for everyone.
Your Self-Care Snowflake!
Time to get creative!
- Think about the ideas we discussed for Energy, Connection, and Calm.
- On your snowflake, write or draw your favorite self-care ideas for each category.
- Make it personal to YOU!
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will be creating their own self-care snowflakes based on the categories discussed. Explain the Self-Care Snowflake Activity instructions clearly.
My Winter Wellness Plan
Choose Your Top Self-Care Strategies
- From your snowflake, pick 2-3 strategies you want to try.
- Write them down on your worksheet.
- Think about when and how you will practice them.
Small steps lead to big changes!
Explain the next step: choosing a few strategies to commit to trying. Emphasize that consistency is key, even with small habits. Distribute the My Winter Wellness Plan Worksheet.
Stay Well, Stay Happy!
You've got this!
- Remember your amazing self-care ideas.
- It's okay to adjust your plan.
- Taking care of yourself helps you shine!
Journal Prompt (Homework): Winter Reflections Journal Prompt
Conclude the lesson by asking students to share one thing they learned or a strategy they are excited to try. Assign the journal as a follow-up. Reinforce the importance of taking care of themselves.
Warm Up
Winter Wellness Warm-Up
Instructions: Take a moment to think about the phrase "taking care of yourself." What does that mean to you, especially during the colder, darker winter months or when you have a lot going on with family and holidays?
Write down three words or short phrases that come to mind when you think about keeping yourself feeling happy and healthy in winter.
Activity
Self-Care Snowflake Activity
Instructions: The winter season can be beautiful, but also busy! It's important to remember to take care of yourself. Think about different ways you can manage your Energy, stay Connected with others, and find moments of Calm.
On each section of the snowflake below, write or draw one self-care strategy that you could use this winter. Make sure to have ideas for all three categories!
My Winter Wellness Snowflake
(Imagine a large snowflake graphic here, with 6 sections for students to write/draw in.)
Energy Boosters:
Staying Connected:
Finding Calm:
Worksheet
My Winter Wellness Plan
Name: ________________________
Instructions: Look at your Self-Care Snowflake. Now, choose 2-3 self-care strategies that you are most excited to try during the winter months or your holiday break. Write them down below, and think about how and when you might practice them.
My Top Winter Self-Care Strategies
-
Strategy:
How I will try it:
When I will try it: -
Strategy:
How I will try it:
When I will try it: -
Strategy:
How I will try it:
When I will try it:
Reflection Question:
Why is it important to have a plan for taking care of yourself, especially when things get busy or the weather changes?
Journal
Winter Reflections Journal Prompt
Instructions: Take some time to reflect on your self-care plan for the winter season. Write about the following prompts in your journal.
Prompt 1:
What is one self-care strategy you are most looking forward to trying from your Winter Wellness Plan? Why do you think this particular strategy will be helpful for you?
Prompt 2:
Think about someone you care about (a friend, family member, or even a pet). How might practicing self-care help you be a better friend or family member to them during this busy time of year?
Prompt 3:
Winter often brings changes in routine or feelings. What is one new thing you learned about self-care today that you think you can carry with you beyond just the winter months?
Cool Down
Winter Wellness Cool Down
Instructions: Before you leave, let's quickly reflect on today's lesson.
On a sticky note or a small piece of paper, write down one self-care strategy you learned or were reminded of today that you want to try this winter. It can be from your snowflake, your plan, or something a classmate shared.
Then, write down one word that describes how you feel about taking care of your well-being this season.
(Teacher Note: Collect these as exit tickets to gauge understanding and student sentiment.)