Mindful Moments Teacher Guide
Mindful Moments
Teacher Guide
15 Minutes
Objective
Introduce young learners to mindful breathing techniques to help manage stress and improve focus through guided practice.
Audience
1st Grade Students (Tier 1 Support)
The "Why"
"This lesson equips students with a simple yet effective tool to enhance their emotional regulation and concentration skills. By noticing their breath, students learn to feel calm and centered regardless of external circumstances."
Materials Needed
- Calm music (optional)
- Mindful Breathing Discussion Cards
- Mindful Moments Slide Deck
Preparation
Arrange seating in a circle or comfortable carpet area. Ensure the environment is quiet and minimize distractions.
3m Intro
7m Exercise
5m Reflect
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction
3 MIN
Gather students in a comfortable seating arrangement.
Briefly explain what mindful breathing is: "It's like a superpower that helps us feel calm and focused using just our breath."
Ask students if they have ever noticed their breath when they are feeling different emotions (excited, nervous, or tired).
2
Guided Breathing Exercise
7 MIN
Lead students through the 3-2-4 Cycle:
Inhale Nose (3 counts)
Pause Hold (2 counts)
Exhale Mouth (4 counts)
Repeat this cycle 3-5 times slowly.
Encourage students to close their eyes if they feel comfortable and focus on the sensation of air moving in and out.
3
Reflection & Discussion
5 MIN
Ask students how they felt before and after the exercise.
Use the Mindful Breathing Discussion Cards to facilitate a short discussion.
Encourage sharing: "When might you use this during the school day?"
Closure
Thank students for participating. Remind them their breath is always with them!
End of Lesson
Mindful Breathing Discussion Worksheet
Mindful Breathing
Reflecting on our calm moments
Name:
Date:
How did you feel before and after our breathing exercise?
You can use words or draw a picture of your feelings!
When do you think you might use mindful breathing?
Think about times when you feel worried, excited, or need to focus.
Why do you think breathing helps us feel calm?
Mindful Moments Slides
Self-Regulation Series
Mindful
Moments
Finding Calm Through Breathing
What is Mindful Breathing?
1
Noticing your breath as it goes in and out.
2
A simple way to help your body feel calm.
3
A "superpower" you can use anywhere!
Let's Try It Together!
Inhale
Through your nose
1 - 2 - 3
Hold
Just a moment
1 - 2
Exhale
Through your mouth
1-2-3-4
How did you feel before and after breathing?
Share with a partner or the class!
When do you think you might use mindful breathing?
Before a test
Feeling angry
Before bedtime
Why do you think breathing helps us feel calm?
It sends a message to your brain and body that you are safe and ready to focus.
Great Work!
Remember, your breath is always with you.
Mindful Breathing Discussion Cards
Discussion Cards
Cut these out to guide your classroom conversation!
1
How did you feel before and after the breathing exercise?
Teacher Tip:
Encourage students to describe their emotions and physical sensations (e.g., "heavy," "light," "fast heart," "quiet mind").
2
When do you think you might use mindful breathing?
Teacher Tip:
Guide students to think about situations where they might feel stressed (tests) or need to focus (reading time).
3
Why do you think breathing can help us feel calm?
Teacher Tip:
Discuss the connection between breath and the nervous system using simple language (e.g., "telling our brain it's safe").
Cut along the dashed lines to use as handheld prompt cards.
