Lesson Plan

The Way I Act

In this lesson, students will hear the story "The Way I Act" and complete two activities connected to the story. They will practice mindful breathing and explore how to have more control over their bodies, behaviors, emotions, and choices.

Grades:

Second Grade

Third Grade

View aligned standards

SL.2.1.a

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to utilize mindful breathing to slow down and consider how they can make healthy choices.

Introduction

(10 minutes)

Bring students into a circle, either seated in chairs or on the floor.
Ask them to sit in mindful bodies (quiet and still, with their eyes closed or looking down).
Tell the class to take a few full breaths. As they breathe, ask them to count their breaths in their minds.
Tell them that it is okay if they lose track of the numbers, or if they get distracted by a thought. If this happens, tell them to gently bring their thoughts back to the number of breaths and the feeling of breathing.
After 1–2 minutes, have them slowly open their eyes. Ask, "How do you feel? What do you notice?"
Explain to students that today they will be discussing how it feels to have more control over their bodies and choices.
Show the class the book The Way I Act, and ask them what they think the book may be about.