Mastering the Pause Lesson Plan Mastering the Pause
Tier 2 Small Group Lesson Plan • 6th Grade
30 Minutes
Why It Matters
Learning to pause and use deep breathing helps students manage strong emotions, make better decisions, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This skill is crucial for self-regulation and navigating challenging situations in and out of the classroom.
Prep Checklist
Review The Power of Pausing Slides and practice delivery.
Read through the Belly Breathing Script to familiarize yourself with the technique.
Print My Pause Plan Journal Entry for each student.
Gather small whiteboards/paper and markers/pencils.
Materials Needed
Small whiteboards or paper
Markers or pencils
Projector for slide deck
Printed Belly Breathing Script
Journal Entry worksheets
Learning Objective
Each student will be able to demonstrate two different deep breathing techniques to use as a pausing strategy.
Instructional Sequence
5m
Warm-Up: Mindful Moment
Begin with a brief mindful moment to center the students. Guide them to focus on their breath for one minute without trying to change it. Ask: "What did you notice about your breath? Did your mind wander?"
10m
Guided Practice: Breathing Techniques
Introduce "power of the pause" using slides. Model/guide through Belly Breathing (using script) and Square Breathing (4-4-4-4). Provide gentle corrections and encouragement.
8m
Behavior Rehearsal: Practicing the Pause
Present common scenarios (frustration, anger, impulse). Students identify which technique to use and why. Rehearse the pause and provide feedback.
7m
Wrap-Up: Personal Pause Plan
Distribute My Pause Plan Journal Entry . Students complete reflections on when and how they will use strategies. Share one insight with the group.
The Power of Pausing Slides Mastering the Pause
Your Secret Power!
How can taking a moment change everything?
What's the "Power of the Pause"?
It's a short moment you take before reacting.
It helps you calm down and think clearly.
It gives you control over your emotions and actions.
It's like pressing a "reset" button for your brain.
Your Pause Superpower
Deep breathing is your secret weapon for pausing.
It helps your body relax and your mind focus.
Coming Up:
Two techniques to add to your toolkit!
#1: Belly Breathing
Technique
Focus on calming your nervous system.
1 Find a comfortable seated position.
2 Place one hand on chest and one on belly.
3 Inhale slowly through your nose (belly rises).
4 Exhale slowly through your mouth (belly falls).
Filling your "belly balloon"
#2: Square Breathing
Technique
Inhale (4)
Hold (4)
Exhale (4)
Hold (4)
Trace a square in your mind or with your finger as you count.
4s
Inhale... Hold... Exhale... Hold...
Let's try it together!
Practice Time: Scenario 1
"Imagine you're working on a challenging math problem, and you're getting really frustrated. You feel like giving up or slamming your book shut."
What could you do?
PAUSE + BREATHE
How would it help?
Lowers frustration / Prevents outburst
Practice Time: Scenario 2
"You're talking with a friend, and they say something that really bothers you. You feel a surge of anger and want to yell back."
What could you do?
PAUSE + BREATHE
How would it help?
Prevents a fight / Gives time to think
My Personal Pause Plan
Now it's your turn! Open your journal and think about how you will use these tools in real life.
When?
When do you need to pause?
Which?
Belly or Square breathing?
How?
How will you remember?
Remember Your Power!
The Power of the Pause helps you stay calm and in control.
Deep breathing is a fantastic way to pause.
Practice makes perfect!
You've Got This!
My Pause Plan Journal Entry My Pause Plan
Reflect and Plan for Calm
Name
Date
1. Definition
What does the "Power of the Pause" mean to you in your own words?
2. Identification
Think about times at school, at home, or with friends when you might feel big emotions. List three situations where taking a pause could be helpful.
A.
B.
C.
3. Selection
We learned two deep breathing techniques: Belly Breathing and Square Breathing. Which one do you think will be most helpful for you personally? Why?
4. My Strategy
Describe your personal "Pause Plan." What steps will you take when you feel a strong emotion? When and where will you practice your chosen breathing technique?
5. Takeaway
What is one thing you will try to remember about the Power of the Pause this week?
You have the power to stay in control!
Belly Breathing Script Belly Breathing Script
Instructional Guide for Guided Practice
Teacher Resource
Note to Teacher: Read this script in a slow, calm, and steady voice. Pause where indicated to allow students to follow the movements and focus on their sensations.
Setup
Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's get comfortable. You can sit up tall in your chairs, or if you prefer, you can gently lean back. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and supported."
Wait for students to adjust their posture.
Hand Placement
Teacher: "Now, I want you to place one hand on your chest and your other hand gently on your belly, right below your rib cage. You might close your eyes if that feels comfortable, or you can simply soften your gaze and look down."
Teacher: "We're going to practice something called 'belly breathing.' Instead of letting our chests do all the work, we want to feel our bellies rise and fall with each breath."
The Inhale
Teacher: "Take a slow, gentle breath in through your nose. As you inhale, imagine you're filling your belly like a balloon. Feel your hand on your belly rise as it gets bigger."
The Exhale
Teacher: "Now, slowly, gently breathe out through your mouth, like you're sighing. Feel your hand on your belly fall as the air leaves. Let all the air out, completely."
Guided Count
Teacher: "Let's do that again together. Breathe in through your nose... filling your belly... 1... 2... 3... 4..."
Teacher: "And slowly breathe out through your mouth... letting your belly fall... 1... 2... 3... 4..."
Mindfulness
Teacher: "Continue breathing like this at your own pace. In through your nose, feeling your belly rise. Out through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Notice how your breath moves through your body."
Teacher: "If your mind starts to wander, that's okay. Just gently bring your attention back to the feeling of your breath moving your belly. This is your personal pause button."
The Return
"Let's take three more deep, slow belly breaths together."
Teacher: "And when you're ready, slowly open your eyes or lift your gaze. Take a moment to just notice how your body feels. You've just given yourself a wonderful gift of calm."
"How does that feel? What did you notice?"
