Mindful Moments Lesson Plan Mindful Moments: Finding Our Calm Core
Lesson Plan
Grades
1-4
Duration
45-60 minutes
Approach
Interactive exercises and guided practice
Why This Matters
Learning mindfulness helps students develop emotional regulation skills, reduces stress, and enhances concentration, which are vital for academic success and overall well-being.
Learning Objective
"Introduce basic mindfulness practices to help children manage stress and improve focus, enabling students to find their inner peace amidst daily busyness."
Materials Needed
Mindful Moments Slide Deck
Mindful Breathing & Sensory Activity Sheets
My Mindful Moments Worksheet
Small objects (stones, feathers, cinnamon sticks)
Preparation Steps (15 mins)
01 Review the Mindful Moments Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
02 Gather small, safe objects for the Sensory Scavenger Hunt (e.g., a smooth stone, a feather, a scented item).
03 Print copies of the My Mindful Moments Worksheet for each student.
04 Ensure your classroom has a quiet space conducive to focused activities.
Instructional Sequence
1
Introduction to Mindfulness
10 Minutes
• Begin by displaying the first slide of the Mindful Moments Slide Deck and greeting students.
• Ask students what it means to be "calm" or "focused." Discuss their responses.
• Introduce the concept of mindfulness : paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, without judgment. Explain it's like exercising our "mind muscles."
• Transition to the "Why Mindfulness?" slide and discuss the benefits.
2
Mindful Breathing
15 Minutes
• Guide students through the Mindful Breathing Activity using the corresponding slide.
• Demonstrate "belly breathing" or "star breathing." Have students place a hand on their stomach to feel it rise and fall.
• Lead several rounds of slow, deep breaths, encouraging them to notice the feeling of the air moving in and out.
• Debrief: Ask students how they feel. What did they notice?
3
Sensory Awareness Activity
15 Minutes
• Introduce the Sensory Scavenger Hunt Activity using the slide. Explain using five senses to be mindful.
• Distribute the small objects. Guide students to explore their object using one sense at a time (What does it look like? Feel like?).
• Alternate: If objects aren't available, notice three sounds, two blue things, etc., in the classroom.
4
Reflection and Application
10 Minutes
• Distribute the My Mindful Moments Worksheet .
• Have students complete the worksheet, drawing or writing about what they learned.
• Discuss responses. Emphasize that mindfulness is a tool they can use anytime, anywhere.
5
Wrap-up
5 Minutes
• Review key takeaways from the slide deck.
• Encourage students to practice mindful moments throughout their day.
• End with a short, quiet moment of mindful breathing.
Mindful Moments Slide Deck Welcome to
Mindful Moments!
Today we will learn to:
Calm our minds and bodies
Focus our attention
Find our inner peace !
Teacher: Welcome students and introduce mindfulness as "brain training" or "mind muscles."
Why Mindfulness?
Feel less worried
Focus better in school
Understand our feelings
Be happier!
Teacher: Connect to situations like before a test or when upset with a friend.
Mindful Breathing
"Belly Breaths"
1 Place one hand on your belly.
2 Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Feel your belly rise!
3 Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Feel your belly fall.
4 Repeat a few times. What do you notice?
Teacher: Guide slowly. Emphasize quiet reflection.
Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Sight
What do you see? Colors? Shapes?
Touch
Smooth? Rough? Soft?
Sound
Quiet? Loud? Close? Far?
Smell
Sweet? Fresh? Earthy?
Teacher: Explain how senses help us stay present. Use objects or room exploration.
Your Mindful Moments
What did you learn today?
How can you use mindful breathing ?
How can your senses help you focus?
When could you use a mindful moment ?
Keep Practicing!
You have the tools to find your calm whenever you need them.
Breathing
Senses
Presence
You've got this!
Mindful Breathing Activity Mindful Breathing
My Calm Anchor
"Sometimes our minds can feel busy, like a whirlwind! Mindful breathing is like a special anchor that can help us feel calm and steady. Let's practice!"
Instructions
1
Find Your Comfy Spot
Sit up tall or lie down, whatever feels best for you. Make sure your body feels relaxed.
2
Hand on Belly
Gently place one hand on your tummy. You'll feel it move when you breathe!
3
Slow Breath In
Take a slow, gentle breath in through your nose. Imagine you are smelling a beautiful flower. Feel your belly rise like a balloon!
4
Slow Breath Out
Slowly breathe out through your mouth, like you are gently blowing bubbles. Feel your belly go down.
5
Notice Your Breath
Keep breathing like this. Don't try to change your breath, just notice it. Feel the air come in, and feel the air go out. Feel your belly rise and fall.
How does your body feel when you breathe slowly?
What do you notice about your breath?
Remember, you can use your calm anchor whenever you need to feel peaceful inside!
Sensory Scavenger Hunt Activity Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Exploring with My Senses
"Our five senses are amazing tools that help us pay attention to the world around us and feel more present and calm. Let's explore!"
Sight: What do you see?
Look closely. Colors? Patterns? Shape? Is it shiny or dull?
Touch: What do you feel?
Smooth or rough? Hard or soft? Warm or cool? Bumps or ridges?
Smell: What do you smell?
Is it strong or faint? What does it remind you of?
Sound: Does it make a sound?
Gently tap or rub it near your ear. Soft or loud?
Reflection
What was the most interesting thing you noticed?
How did focusing on your senses make you feel?
How can you use your senses to help you feel calm later today?
Teacher Note: If no objects are available, focus on sounds, colors, or textures found in the classroom.
My Mindful Moments Worksheet My Mindful Moments
Reflection Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Mindful Breathing
1. Draw a picture of yourself taking a mindful belly breath. Show how your belly moves!
2. How did mindful breathing make you feel?
Part 2: Sensory Scavenger Hunt
1. Choose one of your senses (sight, touch, smell, or sound) and draw or write about something interesting you noticed today.
2. When do you think you could use your senses to help you feel calm or focused?
Part 3: My Calm Core
1. What is one new thing you learned about finding your calm today?
2. Draw a picture of yourself having a mindful moment!