Lesson Plan
Winter Wellness Wheel Lesson Plan
Students will explore holistic well-being using a 'wellness wheel' framework, focusing on physical health, emotional regulation, social connections, and mindful practices during winter. They will identify areas for growth and develop personalized strategies for balance and positive spirits.
Understanding and actively managing personal well-being is crucial, especially during challenging seasons like winter when mood and energy can be lower. This lesson empowers students with tools to proactively maintain their physical and mental health, fostering resilience and a positive outlook.
Audience
Middle and High School Students
Time
60-75 minutes
Approach
Interactive self-assessment, group discussion, and creative personalized planning.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck, Wellness Wheel Worksheet, Personalized Winter Wellness Activity, Winter Wellness Journal Prompt, Pens/Pencils, and Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.)
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Wellness Wheel Worksheet (one per student).
- Gather optional art supplies for the activity.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for use.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Wellness?
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: "What does 'wellness' mean to you?" (5 minutes)
- Introduce the concept of a holistic 'wellness wheel' using the Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck (Slides 1-3). (5 minutes)
- Explain that wellness isn't just about physical health, but also includes emotional, social, and mindful aspects, especially in winter.
Step 2
Exploring the Winter Wellness Wheel
20 minutes
- Present each segment of the wellness wheel (Physical, Emotional, Social, Mindful) using the Winter Wellness Wheel Slide Deck (Slides 4-7). (10 minutes)
- For each segment, briefly discuss its importance, challenges in winter, and simple strategies.
- Distribute the Wellness Wheel Worksheet. (2 minutes)
- Instruct students to individually rate their current state in each wellness area and brainstorm personal challenges and strengths related to winter on their worksheet. (8 minutes)
Step 3
Group Share and Discussion
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). (2 minutes)
- Have groups share one insight or challenge they identified from their worksheets in each wellness area. (8 minutes)
- Facilitate a brief whole-class discussion, asking groups to share common themes or interesting ideas. Emphasize that it's okay to struggle in certain areas and that awareness is the first step. (5 minutes)
Step 4
Personalized Winter Wellness Activity
20 minutes
- Introduce the Personalized Winter Wellness Activity. (5 minutes)
- Explain that students will choose 1-2 areas from their worksheet where they want to improve and develop specific, actionable strategies.
- Students will use the activity guide to create a mini-plan or visual representation of their strategies. Encourage creativity and use of art supplies. (15 minutes)
Step 5
Cool Down & Reflection
5-10 minutes
- Have students share one strategy from their Personalized Winter Wellness Activity with a partner or the class. (5 minutes)
- Distribute the Winter Wellness Journal Prompt and explain it's for individual reflection. (2 minutes)
- Conclude by reiterating the importance of holistic wellness and checking in with oneself regularly.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Winter Wellness!
What does 'wellness' mean to you?
Think beyond just being 'not sick.'
Today, we'll explore all parts of your well-being!
Welcome students and set a positive, reflective tone. Ask an open-ended question to get them thinking about personal well-being.
Your Wellness Wheel
Imagine a wheel with different sections.
Each section represents a part of your life that contributes to your overall health and happiness.
When all sections are balanced and strong, your wheel rolls smoothly!
Introduce the concept of a holistic wellness wheel. Explain that it's a tool to visualize different areas of life that contribute to overall health.
Our Focus: Winter Wellness
During colder months, it's extra important to pay attention to:
- Physical Health
- Emotional Regulation
- Social Connections
- Mindful Practices
Let's dive in!
Briefly mention the specific areas we'll focus on today, especially with winter in mind.
Physical Health
This includes:
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Nutrition: Eating well to fuel your body.
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Activity: Moving your body regularly.
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Sleep: Getting enough rest.
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How does winter affect these areas for you?
-
What's one small thing you can do?
Discuss physical health. Prompt students to think about how winter might impact these areas and quick ways to address them.
Emotional Regulation
This includes:
-
Understanding Feelings: Recognizing what you're feeling.
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Coping Strategies: Healthy ways to deal with stress or sadness.
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Optimism: Finding the positive, even on gloomy days.
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What helps you when you're feeling down?
-
How can you keep your spirits up in winter?
Discuss emotional regulation. Emphasize that it's normal to feel different emotions and the importance of healthy coping mechanisms.
Social Connections
This includes:
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Relationships: Nurturing friendships and family ties.
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Community: Feeling connected to others.
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Support Systems: Knowing who to turn to for help.
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How can you stay connected when it's cold or dark?
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Who lifts your spirits?
Discuss social connections. Highlight the importance of staying connected even when it's cold outside.
Mindful Practices
This includes:
-
Mindfulness: Being present and aware.
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Relaxation: Taking time to unwind.
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Gratitude: Appreciating the good things.
-
What does it mean to be 'mindful'?
-
How can you find calm during a busy week?
Discuss mindful practices. Explain what mindfulness is in simple terms and its benefits.
Your Turn: Assess & Plan!
Now it's time to reflect on your own Winter Wellness Wheel.
- Where are you strong?
- Where do you want to grow?
Use your Wellness Wheel Worksheet to guide you.
Transition to the individual activity. Explain they will be assessing themselves and planning.
Create Your Wellness Plan!
You'll choose 1-2 areas to focus on.
Develop specific, actionable strategies to boost your wellness.
Express your plan creatively using the Personalized Winter Wellness Activity!
Explain the final activity, encouraging creativity.
Keep Your Wheel Rolling Smoothly!
Wellness is an ongoing journey.
Regularly check in with yourself and adjust your strategies as needed.
Stay well!
Concluding slide for reflection.
Worksheet
Winter Wellness Wheel: Self-Assessment
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions:
For each section of the Wellness Wheel, read the descriptions and then:
- Rate your current state (1 = Needs a lot of attention, 5 = Doing great!).
- List one way winter challenges this area for you.
- List one way you already manage or could improve this area during winter.
1. Physical Health
- Description: How well you are taking care of your body through nutrition, activity, and sleep.
- Rating (1-5):
- Winter Challenge:
- Improvement Idea:
2. Emotional Regulation
- Description: Your ability to understand and manage your feelings, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook.
- Rating (1-5):
- Winter Challenge:
- Improvement Idea:
3. Social Connections
- Description: The quality of your relationships with friends and family, and your sense of belonging in a community.
- Rating (1-5):
- Winter Challenge:
- Improvement Idea:
4. Mindful Practices
- Description: Your engagement in practices that bring you into the present moment, such as relaxation, reflection, or gratitude.
- Rating (1-5):
- Winter Challenge:
- Improvement Idea:
Activity
My Personalized Winter Wellness Plan
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions:
Based on your Wellness Wheel Worksheet, choose 1 or 2 areas where you want to focus your energy and improve your well-being this winter. These are your "Focus Areas."
Then, for each Focus Area, develop specific, actionable strategies you can implement. Finally, present your plan creatively!
My Focus Area 1: _____________________________
-
Why did I choose this area? (What challenges me here, or what do I want to improve?)
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My Strategies: (What 1-3 specific actions will I take to improve this area? Be realistic!)
My Focus Area 2 (Optional): _____________________________
-
Why did I choose this area? (What challenges me here, or what do I want to improve?)
-
My Strategies: (What 1-3 specific actions will I take to improve this area?)
Creative Presentation:
In the space below, or on a separate sheet, visually represent your Winter Wellness Plan! You can:
- Draw a small "mini-wheel" with your focus areas highlighted.
- Create a flowchart of your actions.
- Design a poster or collage of your wellness goals.
- Write a short poem or song about your plan.
- Any other creative way you want to show your commitment to wellness!
Journal
Winter Wellness: Journal Reflection
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions:
Take some time to reflect on today's lesson and your personal winter wellness journey. Write your thoughts and feelings in response to the prompts below.
Prompt 1:
Looking at your personalized winter wellness plan, what do you think will be the easiest strategy for you to implement? What might be the most challenging? How do you plan to overcome that challenge?
Prompt 2:
Beyond the four areas we discussed (Physical, Emotional, Social, Mindful), are there any other aspects of your well-being that you feel are important during winter? (e.g., spiritual, environmental, intellectual). Explain why.
Prompt 3:
Imagine it's the end of winter, and you've successfully maintained a good sense of well-being. What does that look like? How do you feel? What positive habits did you build or strengthen?