Mindful Morning Makers Lesson Plan Mindful Morning Makers
Establishing calm, focus, and intention
Lesson Plan
30 Minutes | K-3 Students
Why This Matters
This lesson helps students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, leading to improved focus and readiness for learning throughout the school day.
Objective
Establish a positive morning routine that supports emotional regulation and concentration by teaching K-3 students simple breathing exercises, gentle stretches, and a mindful check-in.
Preparation
Review the Mindful Morning Makers Slides .
Print My Mindful Morning Worksheet for each student.
Prepare a calm, open space for gentle stretches.
Ensure projector/whiteboard access for slides.
Required Materials
Mindful Morning Makers Slides
Mindful Morning Activity
My Mindful Morning Worksheet
Morning Reflection Discussion Guide
Instructional Steps
05 min
Warm-Up: Ready, Set, Calm!
Gather students in a comfortable area of the classroom.
Use the first slide to introduce the idea of a "Mindful Morning."
Ask: "How do you feel when you first wake up? What helps you feel ready for a new day?"
15 min
Guided Practice: Breath, Stretch, & Focus
Breathing: Lead a simple belly breathing exercise. Place hands on bellies; feel them rise and fall.
Stretching: Demonstrate 2-3 simple stretches (reach for sky, touch toes, neck turns). Emphasize slow, gentle movements.
Mindful Check-in: Direct students to the Mindful Morning Activity. Ask them to quietly notice body feelings and emotions.
05 min
Mindful Check-in & Reflection
Distribute My Mindful Morning Worksheet .
Instruct students to draw or write about one thing they noticed.
Facilitate a brief discussion using the Discussion Guide .
05 min
Cool-Down: Positive Intentions
Think of one positive intention (e.g., "I will be kind").
Encourage students to carry this intention throughout their day.
Use the final slide to conclude the morning routine.
Mindful Morning Makers Slides Good Morning,
Mindful Me!
Starting Our Day with Calm and Focus
What helps you feel ready for a new day?
Teacher Notes: Welcome students. Set a calm tone. Ask about their morning feelings.
Belly Breathing Buddies
1
Place your hands on your tummy.
2
Feel your tummy rise when you breathe in.
3
Feel your tummy fall when you breathe out.
Slowly... Gently...
Stretching Superstars
Reach High
Let's gently stretch our arms up to the sky!
Wiggle Time
Wiggle your fingers and your toes.
Gentle Turns
Slowly move your head side to side.
Feel your body wake up!
Mindful Moment Check-in
Close your eyes gently if you like. Notice your body. Notice your feelings.
Just observe...
"There is no need to change anything."
Ready for a Great Day!
Be Kind
Think of one kind thing you want to do today.
Set a Goal
Think of one goal you have for yourself.
You are ready to learn and shine!
Carry your calm and focus with you.
Mindful Morning Activity My Mindful Check-in
Notice how you feel right now.
Take a moment to notice how you are feeling in your body and mind. Circle the feeling that matches you best, or draw your own in the box!
😊 Happy
😌 Calm
😴 Sleepy
🤔 Curious
😟 Worried
😠 Grumpy
My Own Feeling:
What did you notice?
What did you notice about your body or your mind during our mindful moment?
My Mindful Morning Worksheet My Mindful Morning Reflection
Name:
Date:
1
How did you feel?
Think about our Mindful Morning today. How did you feel after our breathing and stretching? Draw a picture or write words below.
2
What did you notice?
What is one thing you noticed about your body or your mind during our quiet time?
I noticed:
3
My Positive Intention
What is one positive thing you will try to do or be today?
Today, I will:
Morning Reflection Discussion Guide Morning Reflection Discussion Guide
Facilitating a supportive and mindful classroom conversation
Facilitation Tips
After students complete their mindful morning exercises and worksheets, gather them in a circle. Remind students to listen respectfully to their classmates. Create a safe space where all feelings are valid.
1
What did you choose for your mindful check-in today?
Why did you pick that feeling or draw that picture?
2
How did your body feel during our breathing exercise?
Did you notice anything new (like your tummy moving or your chest feeling light)?
3
What was it like to do the gentle stretches?
Did it help your body wake up? Which stretch was your favorite?
4
Why do you think it's helpful to take a few quiet moments in the morning?
How does it feel to start the day slowly instead of rushing?
5
What is one positive intention you set for yourself today?
How do you think that intention will help you during our lessons or at recess?
6
How can we use these mindful ideas at other times of the day?
When might you use "Belly Breathing" or "Checking In" if you feel worried or upset later on?
Mindful Morning Makers | K-3 Social-Emotional Learning