Winter Wellness Lesson Plan
Winter Wellness Wheel
Lesson Plan • 4th Grade • 60 Minutes
Tier 1 Support
Why This Matters
This lesson provides students with practical tools to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook during colder months and the holiday season. By identifying specific strategies for their physical and emotional health, students foster resilience and self-awareness during a season that can often feel overwhelming or isolating.
Learning Objective
Students will identify and practice self-care strategies specific to colder months and the holiday season, empowering them to maintain well-being through physical and emotional health activities.
Preparation
- • Review Slide Deck, Activity Guide, and Worksheet.
- • Print "My Winter Wellness Wheel" for each student.
- • Gather markers, pens, and colored pencils.
- • Set up projector and prepare calm background music.
Materials
- Whiteboard or Projector
- Markers or Pens
- Winter Wellness Slide Deck
- My Winter Wellness Wheel
Instructional Steps
10m
Introduction: What is Wellness?
- Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to feel good?" and "What does it mean to be healthy?" (physically and emotionally).
- Introduce wellness as taking care of our whole selves, especially during the winter and holiday season.
- Use Slides 1-2 to guide discussion. Ask students to share initial ideas for staying well in winter. Record responses on the whiteboard.
15m
Introducing the Winter Wellness Wheel
- Present the 'wellness wheel' as a tool to think about different ways we can take care of ourselves.
- Display Slides 3-5, explaining each category (Physical Health, Emotional Health, Social Connections, Creative Expression, Quiet Time).
- Lead a class brainstorming session for each category. Focus on winter-specific ideas (e.g., warm drinks, board games, making gifts).
20m
Designing My Winter Wellness Wheel
- Distribute the My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet.
- Explain that students will create their own personal wheel. Encourage realistic and appealing choices.
- Circulate around the room, offering guidance as students fill in their wheels.
- Play calm background music to create a reflective, cozy atmosphere.
10m
Share and Reflect
- Invite students to share one or two aspects of their wheel with a partner or the class.
- Discuss: "Why did you choose these activities?" "How do you think they will help you feel well?"
- Emphasize that self-care is personal and can change as we grow.
5m
Conclusion & Challenge
Summarize the importance of self-care. Challenge students to try one activity from their wheel this week.
"This week, pick one thing from your wheel and try it out! See how it makes you feel."
Winter Wellness Slide Deck
The Winter Wellness Wheel
Taking Care of YOU This Season
How can we stay happy and healthy when it's cold outside?
Teacher Note: Welcome students and set a cozy, reflective tone. Ask: "What does feeling healthy mean to you?" Emphasize that health isn't just about not being sick.
What is Wellness?
Wellness means taking care of your whole self!
Class Discussion
"Why is wellness extra important in winter and during the holidays?"
Teacher Note: Introduce 'wellness' as body + mind + feelings. Ask students for examples of things that make them feel good, especially in winter (e.g., warm blankets, playing in snow).
Your Wellness Wheel
Imagine a wheel with different sections. Each section is a way we can take care of ourselves.
It's a map for feeling good!
- Helps us stay balanced.
- Reminds us of our favorite things.
- Made just for YOU.
Teacher Note: Introduce the wheel as a visual tool. Explain that all parts of the wheel need to be strong for the wheel to spin smoothly!
Spin Your Wheel: Part 1
Physical Health
Activities that make your body feel strong and energized.
Winter Ideas:
Warm drinks Snow play Indoor dance
Emotional Health
Activities that help you understand and manage your feelings.
Winter Ideas:
Talking it out Deep breaths Cozy time
Teacher Note: Encourage winter-specific examples. For 'Physical', focus on staying active and well-rested. For 'Emotional', focus on identifying feelings during busy holidays.
Spin Your Wheel: Part 2
Social
Connecting with people who make you happy.
Family game night, friend chats.
Creative
Letting your imagination fly and making things.
Drawing, making gifts, music.
Quiet
Moments of calm to relax your mind.
Reading, listening to music, stillness.
Teacher Note: Prompt for winter-themed ideas for these categories. Creative expression can be holiday-related (card making), and Social can be community-focused.
Winter Wellness Activity Guide
Winter Wellness Activity
Create Your Personal Plan for a Happy Season
Your Objective
To create your very own personalized Winter Wellness Wheel filled with activities that help you feel happy and healthy during the colder months!
How to Build Your Wheel
1
Get Ready
You will need your "My Winter Wellness Wheel" worksheet and something to write and color with.
2
Understand the Categories
Physical: Body care
Emotional: Feelings
Social: Connections
Creative: Imagination
Quiet Time: Peace and rest
3
Brainstorm Winter Ideas
Think of 2-3 specific activities for each category that are perfect for winter. They should be things you enjoy and can actually do!
Example: Instead of just "exercise," think "Go for a walk in the snow," "Indoor dance party," or "Sip warm apple cider."
4
Fill and Decorate
Write your activities clearly in each section. Once done, color and decorate your wheel to make it truly your own! Make it bright and cheerful.
Remember!
This is your personal wellness plan. There are no right or wrong answers, only what feels good and healthy for YOU! Keep your wheel somewhere you can see it as a reminder to take care of yourself this winter.
My Winter Wellness Wheel Worksheet
My Winter Wellness Wheel
Your guide to a happy and healthy season
Name:
Date:
Think about what makes you feel good in each area. Brainstorm 2-3 activities you can do this winter and write them in the sections below. You can also add small drawings!
Physical Health
Emotional
Social
Creative
Quiet Time
Reflection
1. What is ONE activity from your wheel that you are excited to try this week?
2. How do you think this activity will help you feel better?