Mindful Practice Agenda Lesson PlanMindful Practice Agenda Small Group (Tier 2) • 3rd Grade DURATION 15 MIN Why It Matters Teaching brief, daily mindfulness helps 3rd graders self-regulate emotions, manage stress, and improve attention—key skills for academic success and mental well-being. Preparation 5 minutes prep time • Review the Mindful Practice Agenda • Queue the Breathe In, Breathe Out Slides • Arrange seating in a circle or semicircle • Set a timer for pacing Objective Students will engage in quick, guided mindfulness exercises—deep breathing, visualization, and sharing—to reduce stress and boost focus in just one session. Session Flow 1 Welcome & Objectives 2 MIN Greet students and sit comfortably in a circle. Explain the goal: practice quick mindfulness techniques to calm our minds and bodies. 2 Breathing Basics 3 MIN Introduce deep belly breathing using the Breathe In, Breathe Out Slides. Model inhaling (4 counts), holding (2 counts), and exhaling (4 counts). Lead three full practice breaths together. 3 Guided Breathing Session 5 MIN Lead the Guided Breathing Session Activity script. Use a calm, steady tone to cue inhale, hold, and exhale phases. Remind students to notice sensations and release tension. 4 Reflection Circle 5 MIN Transition to the Reflection Circle Cool-Down. Invite students to share one word or sentence about how they feel. Reinforce that these techniques can be used anytime.
Breathe In Out Slides DeckBreathe In, Breathe Out A simple breathing exercise to help you feel calm and focused. Teacher: Use a gentle, encouraging tone. What Is Deep Breathing? Breathe slowly in through your nose. Feel your belly expand like a balloon. Helps the body relax and the mind focus. Step 1 Inhale Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds. 1 2 3 4 Step 2 Hold Keep the air in your belly for 2 seconds. 1 2 Hold gently, without straining. Step 3 Exhale Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds. 1 2 3 4 Let’s Practice Together Round 1 Inhale 4 Hold 2 Exhale 4 Round 2 Inhale 4 Hold 2 Exhale 4 Round 3 Inhale 4 Hold 2 Exhale 4 Follow your teacher's counting... Great Job! Remember: You can use this breathing exercise whenever you want to feel calm.
Guided Breathing Activity ScriptGuided Breathing Session Teacher Script & Activity Guide Time 5 MIN Objective Lead students through a structured, calming breathing practice to enhance focus and reduce stress. Materials Timer or chime (optional), calm environment. Step-by-Step Script 0:00 – 0:30 Preparation 1) Comfort & Attention “Let’s all sit tall with feet on the floor and hands in your lap. Close your eyes or softly gaze at the floor. Take a moment to settle in.” 0:30 – 1:30 Awareness 2) Natural Breath Awareness “Now, just notice your breath. No need to change it—feel the air moving in through your nose, and out through your mouth.” 1:30 – 3:30 Structure 3) Box Breathing “We’re going to try box breathing. That means inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts. I will count out loud.” “Inhale… 1… 2… 3… 4. Hold… 1… 2… 3… 4. Exhale… 1… 2… 3… 4. Hold… 1… 2… 3… 4.” Repeat two more rounds with the students. 3:30 – 4:30 Imagery 4) Flower Scent Breath “Imagine a bright, beautiful flower in front of you. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts like you’re smelling the flower… 1… 2… 3… 4. Then gently exhale through your mouth for 4 counts, like you’re blowing petals off… 1… 2… 3… 4.” Repeat 3–4 times. 4:30 – 5:00 Closing 5) Return & Reflect “Allow your breath to return to its natural rhythm. Notice how your body feels now. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes or lift your gaze.” Teacher Tips Use a calm, steady voice and pause between each count so kids can follow. If you notice wandering attention, gently remind students: “Let’s bring our minds back to the breath.” Celebrate their effort at the end: “Great job everyone for focusing on your breath!”
Reflection Circle WorksheetReflection Circle Mindful Minutes • Session Wrap-up NAME: DATE: Part 1: Group Share Gather in a circle and take a slow, deep breath together. When it's your turn, share one word or sentence about how you feel right now. Make eye contact Nod to show you're listening Part 2: My Mindful Moment 1. How do I feel right now? 2. When I feel stressed, I will use this strategy when... “Peace begins with a smile and a breath.”
