Cloud Catchers Lesson Plan
Cloud Catchers
Mindfulness Lesson Plan: Breathing & Body Scan
Grade 3
Duration
20 Minutes
Learning Goal
Students will learn to use "Balloon Breaths" and a "Body Scan" to identify feelings and calm their minds.
RESOURCES NEEDED
- Mindful Moments Worksheet
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Quiet, comfortable space
- Soft background music (optional)
1
The Balloon Breath (5 Mins)
Ask students: "Have you ever felt like your brain had too many tabs open at once?" Explain that mindfulness is like hitting the "refresh" button. Practice the **Balloon Breath**: Sit tall, put hands on belly. Inhale through the nose to "inflate the balloon" (belly pushes out), exhale through the mouth to "deflate the balloon" (belly moves back).
2
Guided Journey: The Cloud Scan (10 Mins)
Read in a slow, calm voice:
"Gently close your eyes or look at your knees. Imagine you are lying on a soft, fluffy cloud. It’s warm and perfectly safe."
"Wiggle your toes. Does it feel tingly? Heavy? Just notice it. Now imagine a gentle blue light moving up from your toes to your ankles... up your legs... like a warm blanket."
"Notice your belly rising and falling. Notice your fingers... give them a tiny squeeze, then let go. Move the light up to your shoulders. Are they tight? Let them drop down like melting butter."
"Finally, relax your face. Your jaw, your forehead. You are a Cloud Catcher, just watching thoughts float by like clouds in the sky. If a thought comes, just say 'hello' and let it drift away."
3
Reflection & Worksheet (5 Mins)
Have students slowly open their eyes. Hand out the Mindful Moments Worksheet. Ask them to color in where they felt "heavy" or "light" during the scan and draw their "Mood Cloud."
TEACHER TIPS
The "Giggle" Factor
Third graders might giggle during silence. Acknowledge it: "It's okay to feel silly! Just bring your focus back to your balloon breath when you're ready."
Movement Alternative
For students who can't sit still, suggest "Finger Breathing" where they trace their fingers up and down with their breath.
Key Vocabulary
Mindfulness: Noticing what is happening right now with kindness.
Body Scan: Checking in with every part of your body from head to toe.
Check for Understanding
"What did your body feel like before we started vs. now?"
Mindful Moments Worksheet
Mindful Moments
Cloud Catchers Activity
Name
Date
Step 1: Balloon Breaths
In the circle below, draw a face on your balloon that shows how you feel after taking 5 deep breaths.
Step 2: My Body Map
Where did you feel the "warm light" the most? Use your crayons to color the body parts that felt relaxed.
Color Key Idea:
Warm & Cozy
Calm & Quiet
Heavy & Still
My Mindful Word
Write one word that describes how you feel right now:
