Mindful Movement Lesson Plan
Mindful Movement
Classroom Tier 1 Lesson Plan
20 Minutes
Objective
Improve body awareness, flexibility, and mindfulness through gentle physical activity and focused breathing.
Audience
Believers (Ages 7-8)
Focus on presence and positive mindset.
Materials Needed
- Yoga mats or carpeted space
- Calm background music
- Mindful Movement Cards
- Quiet, open classroom space
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Introduction
2 Mins
- Welcome students and explain the importance of mindfulness: being aware of our bodies and thoughts in the present moment.
- Briefly talk about how today's session will involve gentle movements and stretches to help us feel calm and strong.
2. Warm-Up
3 Mins
Lead the class in basic movements to wake up the body:
- Neck Rolls: Slowly circle the head in one direction, then the other.
- Shoulder Shrugs: Lift shoulders to ears and drop them quickly.
- Gentle Arm Swings: Softly swing arms side to side like a "rag doll."
3. Mindful Movement Sequence
10 Mins
Guide students through these poses using the Mindful Movement Cards as visual aids:
1
Mountain Pose: Stand tall, feet together, and take 3 deep, slow breaths.
2
Forward Bend: Exhale and gently bend forward, reaching for your toes with soft knees.
3
Cat-Cow Stretch: On hands and knees, arch your back like a cat, then dip it down like a cow.
4
Child's Pose: Sit back on your heels, rest your forehead on the ground, and reach arms forward.
5
Butterfly Pose: Sit with soles of feet together. Gently "flap" your knees like butterfly wings.
Remind students to focus on their "anchor" (breathing) throughout the movements.
4. Cool Down
3 Mins
- Seated Forward Bend: Sit with legs long and reach for toes.
- Gentle Twists: Sit tall and look over your left shoulder, then right.
- Deep Breathing: Close eyes and take three collective deep breaths.
5. Reflection
2 Mins
Gather students in a circle for a brief chat:
"How did these movements make your body feel?"
"Do you feel more relaxed or more energetic now?"
"Which pose was your favorite and why?"
Mindful Movement Cards Worksheet
Mindful Movement Cards
Gentle stretches for a calm mind and strong body.
Mountain Pose
Stand tall and still like a mountain. Take deep breaths.
Mindful Movement
Forward Bend
Gently bend forward and reach for your toes. Relax your neck.
Mindful Movement
Cat-Cow Stretch
On hands and knees, alternate between arching your back up and dipping it down.
Mindful Movement
Child's Pose
Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward. Rest your head.
Mindful Movement
Butterfly Pose
Sit with soles of feet together. Gently "flap" your knees like wings.
Mindful Movement
Deep Breath
Remember to breathe slow and deep through your nose.
Mindful Reflection Worksheet
My Mindful Reflection
Name
Date
1 How do you feel after our mindful movement?
😌
Calm
💪
Strong
✨
Focused
😊
Happy
2 Draw yourself doing your favorite pose today!
3 My Mindfulness Thoughts
Which pose was the most challenging for you?
How did your body feel during the deep breaths?
"I am calm, I am strong, I am mindful."
