Navigator Guide: Anchor Point

Session 1: Introduction & Mindfulness (30 Minutes)

SESSION 1

Session Goals

Build group rapport and safety.
Introduce the "Mind Map Explorer" theme.
Teach "Dropping Anchor" as a grounding tool.

Materials Needed

Anchor Point Slides
Explorer Log Worksheets
Colored pencils or markers

Timeline

0-5 Mins

Arrival & Map Check-In

Welcome explorers! Introduce the idea that our minds are like vast territories we're going to map together. Set group rules (Kindness, Listening, Brave Space).

5-10 Mins

The Stormy Sea Metaphor

Explain that sometimes our thoughts/feelings are like a storm. When the sea is rough, a ship doesn't try to stop the storm—it drops an anchor to stay steady. Today, we learn how to be the anchor.

10-20 Mins

Practice: Dropping Anchor

Guide the group through the 3-step process: A (Acknowledge your inner world), B (Bring back into your body), C (Connect with what you're doing).

20-27 Mins

Logbook Activity

Hand out the Explorer Log. Students draw or write what their "Anchor" looks like or what they noticed during practice.

27-30 Mins

Closing Circle

Each student shares one thing they noticed in the room (The "C" of Dropping Anchor).

Navigating the Session

Explaining Mindfulness:

"Mindfulness isn't about clearing your head or feeling calm. It's about being a super-observant explorer who notices exactly what is happening right now, even if it's a bit messy."

Check-in Prompt:

"If your mind was a weather forecast right now, what would it be? Sunny? A bit cloudy? A total blizzard?"

Common Pitfall:

Kids often think the "Anchor" should make the bad feelings go away. Emphasize: "The anchor doesn't stop the storm; it just holds the ship steady while the storm happens."

The "ABC" Anchor Steps

A

Acknowledge

Notice what you are thinking and feeling.

B

Bring Back

Connect with your body (push feet down, stretch).

C

Connect

Notice 5 things you can see right now.

Anchor Point

Anchor Point Navigator Guide

Anchor Point Slides

Anchor Point Explorer Log