Lesson Plan
Students Lead
When we practice mindfulness we are better able to regulate our emotions, build compassion, and support greater ease. In this social emotional learning lesson plan, students will practice mindfulness and create a video that teaches others about mindfulness.
Grades:
View aligned standards
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to define mindfulness, practice mindfulness, and understand the benefits of mindfulness.
Introduction
(10 minutes)- Join students together in a circle, either seated or standing.
- Ask them to become as still as they can.
- Guide them to take a few deep breaths and to puff out their belly as they breathe in.
- Ask them to count to four (in their mind) as they breathe in and then to count to seven as they breathe out. (Pause.)
- Explain that their mind might wander and that this is normal. Have students gently bring their attention back to the numbers or the feeling of their breath.
- Give students 1–2 minutes for counting breaths.
- Ask them to release the numbers slowly, during an exhale, and to start to notice the sounds they can hear. (Pause for one minute.)
- Ask them to take a few deep breaths again and to open their eyes when they are ready.
- Invite them in quiet to look round the room and to notice the lighting, shadows, and colors they may not have noticed before.
- Ask, "What did you notice? How do you feel? What did you pay attention to (or what were you mindful of) during this mindfulness session? (Answers might include breathing, listening, and seeing.)