Lesson Plan
Your Body is Talking, Are You Listening?
Students will be able to identify at least two ways emotions show up in their bodies through a guided body scan practice.
This lesson will help students develop somatic awareness and recognize stress signals, empowering them to better manage their emotional well-being.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through guided practice and a reflective activity, students will explore the mind-body connection.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan and all generated materials to ensure familiarity.
- Prepare presentation equipment for the Mind-Body Slides.
- Print enough copies of the Body Outline Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Arrival and Centering Breath
5 minutes
- As students arrive, have a calming image on the screen (from Mind-Body Slides).
- Lead students in 3-5 deep, centering breaths. (Refer to Guided Body Scan Script for guidance on breathing exercises).
- Introduce the lesson's main question: "How does your body talk to you?"
Step 2
Introduction to the Mind-Body Connection
10 minutes
- Use Mind-Body Slides to introduce the concept of the mind-body connection.
- Explain key concepts: somatic awareness and stress signals.
- Ask students for initial thoughts or experiences about how emotions feel in their bodies.
Step 3
Guided Practice: Body Scan Meditation
15 minutes
- Lead students through a guided body scan meditation using the Guided Body Scan Script.
- Encourage students to notice sensations without judgment.
- Emphasize that it's okay if their minds wander.
Step 4
Activity: Mapping Stress in the Body
10 minutes
- Distribute the Body Outline Worksheet to each student.
- Instruct students to privately draw or write where they feel different emotions (e.g., stress, happiness, sadness) in their bodies.
- Reassure students that there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers and that this is for personal reflection.
Step 5
Group Discussion and Sharing Insights
5 minutes
- Facilitate a brief group discussion.
- Ask volunteers to share general insights, not specific drawings, about what they noticed during the body scan or mapping activity.
- Emphasize that everyone's experience is unique and valid.
- Conclude by reinforcing the importance of listening to their bodies for self-care and emotional regulation.
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Slide Deck
Your Body is Talking, Are You Listening?
An exploration of the mind-body connection - How do your feelings show up in your body?
Welcome students and set a calm atmosphere. Have a calming image displayed. Begin with a few deep breaths as students settle in.
What is the Mind-Body Connection?
Your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can affect your physical health, and your physical health can affect your thoughts, feelings, and attitudes.
It's a two-way street! When you're nervous, do your hands sweat? When you're excited, does your heart race?
Introduce the idea that our minds and bodies are connected. Use simple language and ask for student examples.
Key Concepts: Somatic Awareness & Stress Signals
Somatic Awareness: The ability to tune into your body and notice sensations.
Stress Signals: The ways your body communicates that it's feeling stressed or overwhelmed (e.g., tight shoulders, racing heart, stomach ache).
Explain 'Somatic Awareness' as noticing body sensations. Introduce 'Stress Signals' as specific ways our bodies tell us we're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Guided Body Scan Practice
A gentle way to check in with your body.
Purpose: To notice sensations without judgment.
Instructions: Find a comfortable position, close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or soften your gaze.
Introduce the upcoming guided practice. Explain that it's a way to gently check in with their bodies.
Activity: Mapping Your Body's Language
Where do you feel different emotions in your body?
Instructions:
- On your Body Outline Worksheet, draw or write where you feel specific emotions (e.g., stress, joy, worry, calm).
- This is for your reflection only. There are no right or wrong answers!
Transition to the activity. Explain that after the body scan, they will map what they noticed.
Reflect and Share
What did you notice during the body scan or mapping activity?
How can listening to your body help you?
Remember: Your body is always communicating with you!
Facilitate a short discussion, inviting general observations. Reiterate the importance of listening to their bodies.
Worksheet
My Body's Language: Mapping Emotions
Instructions: In the outline below, draw or write where you feel different emotions in your body. Use colors, symbols, or words to represent sensations like warmth, tightness, lightness, or tension. This is for your personal reflection.
Where do you feel...
- Stress/Worry?
- Joy/Excitement?
- Sadness/Disappointment?
- Calm/Relaxation?
Body Outline
Draw or write your sensations directly on the body outline below.
Script
Guided Body Scan Script
Introduction (1-2 minutes)
"Welcome, everyone. Today we're going to explore how our bodies communicate with us. Our bodies are amazing and constantly sending us signals about how we're feeling, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes, we're so busy that we forget to listen.
So, let's take a few moments to tune in. Find a comfortable position in your chair. You can rest your hands gently in your lap or by your sides. If you feel comfortable, you can gently close your eyes, or you can simply soften your gaze towards the floor in front of you. Just let your eyes rest in a gentle way."
Centering Breath (1-2 minutes)
"Let's start by taking three deep, calming breaths together. Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your lungs, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, letting go of any tension.
(Pause for 1-2 seconds)
Again, inhale slowly through your nose...
(Pause for 1-2 seconds)
...and exhale slowly through your mouth. Let your shoulders relax a little more with each exhale.
(Pause for 1-2 seconds)
One more time, a deep, slow inhale...
(Pause for 1-2 seconds)
...and a slow, gentle exhale. Allow yourself to feel a little more settled."
Body Scan Instruction (10-12 minutes)
"Now, gently bring your attention to your body. There's no need to change anything, just notice what's there.
Let's start with your feet. Notice how your feet are resting on the floor. Can you feel the texture of your socks or shoes? Are your feet warm or cool? Just observe any sensations.
(Pause for 10-15 seconds)
Now, slowly bring your awareness up to your ankles and calves. Notice any sensations here – perhaps a feeling of weight, or a slight stretch. No need to judge, just notice.
(Pause for 10-15 seconds)
Move your attention up to your knees and thighs. Feel the contact with your chair. Are there any feelings of tension or relaxation in your legs?
(Pause for 10-15 seconds)
Next, bring your awareness to your hips and lower back. Notice how your body is supported by the chair. Is there any tightness or ease in this area?
(Pause for 10-15 seconds)
Now, let your attention travel up your torso, to your abdomen and chest. Notice the gentle rise and fall of your breath here. Can you feel your stomach expanding and contracting? Is your breath deep or shallow? Light or heavy?
(Pause for 15-20 seconds)
Bring your awareness to your fingers and hands. Notice the sensations in your palms, your fingertips. Are they warm, cool, tingly?
(Pause for 10-15 seconds)
Slowly move your attention up your arms, to your elbows and shoulders. Notice how your shoulders are resting. Are they pulled up towards your ears, or are they relaxed? See if you can let any tension melt away from your shoulders.
(Pause for 15-20 seconds)
Finally, bring your awareness to your neck and head. Notice your jaw – is it clenched or relaxed? Your forehead – is it smooth or furrowed? Your scalp, your ears. Just observe all the sensations in your head and face.
(Pause for 15-20 seconds)
Now, take a moment to notice your entire body, all at once. From the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Just rest in this awareness for a few breaths."
Conclusion (1-2 minutes)
"As we come to the end of this body scan, gently bring your attention back to the room. Notice the sounds around you, the light, the feeling of your clothes on your skin. When you're ready, you can slowly open your eyes or lift your gaze.
Remember, your body is always talking to you, sending you messages. Learning to listen to these messages can help you understand your emotions and take better care of yourself. This is a practice you can do anytime, anywhere, to check in with how you're truly feeling."