Mindful Journey Curriculum Plan Mindful DBT Journey
16-Week Tier 2 Curriculum Plan
Target Audience
Grades K-5 (Tier 2)
The "Why"
This structured program builds self-awareness, coping skills, and positive social behaviors for neurodiverse elementary students. By breaking down Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into playful, sensory-rich sessions, we reduce challenging behaviors and empower students with lifelong emotional tools.
Prep & Pacing
Time: 30 minutes per sessionPrep Time: ~45 minutes initial setupGather: Glitter, jars, bubbles, calm box items (sensory toys).Print: All visual handouts & scripts provided.
Curriculum Roadmap
Module Week & Session Topic Key Skill Module 1 Mindfulness Magic Week 1: Intro to Mindfulness (Glitter Jars)Observing Thoughts Week 2: Bubble BreathingFocused Respiration Week 3: Five Senses Scavenger HuntGrounding Week 4: Wise Mind (Owl vs. Heart vs. Head)Balanced Thinking Module 2 Crisis Crusaders Week 5: Building Your Calm BoxSelf-Soothing Week 6: Simplified TIPP SkillsBody Regulation Week 7: Change the ChannelDistraction Week 8: ACCEPTS StrategiesDistress Management Module 3 Feeling Pilots Week 9: Identifying Feelings (Color Monster)Labeling Emotions Week 10: Feeling ThermometerEmotional Scaling Week 11: Fact vs. FeelingReality Checking Week 12: Opposite ActionBehavioral Change Module 4 Friendship Experts Week 13: DEAR MAN BasicsAssertive Requests Week 14: GIVE SkillsActive Listening Week 15: FAST SkillsSelf-Respect Week 16: Review & CelebrationConsolidation
Differentiation for Neurodiverse Learners
All materials utilize high-contrast visual supports, simplified vocabulary, and multi-sensory engagement. Sessions incorporate movement (games) and hands-on creation (glitter jars, calm boxes) to support varied processing styles. Social stories and role-play frames are included for social communication support.
Mindful Journey Slides Mindful DBT Journey
Building Emotional Strength & Friendship Skills
Mindfulness Distress Tolerance Emotion Regulation Interpersonal
What is DBT?
Wise Mind
Learning to balance our thoughts and our feelings to make good choices.
Coping Tools
Building a "toolbox" of skills to handle big, tough emotions.
"Dialectical" means that two things that seem opposite can both be true! Like accepting yourself right now AND working to change for the better.
Module 1: Mindfulness Magic
Week 1
Glitter Jars
Learning to settle our thoughts like swirling glitter.
Week 2
Bubble Breaths
Using slow, steady breaths to calm our bodies.
Week 3
5 Senses
Noticing the world around us right now.
Week 4
Wise Mind
Meeting Reason Mind, Emotion Mind, and Wise Mind.
Session 1: Glitter Jars
How to Mindful Shake:
Shake it up (like a busy brain!)
Watch the glitter swirl
Breathe deep as it settles
Notice the water becoming clear
Game: Glitter Jar Freeze!
✨ ✨ ✨
Your mind is like the water.
Module 2: Crisis Crusaders
Week 5
Calm Box
Making a kit for when things get tough.
Week 6
T.I.P.P.
Quick body hacks to lower the heat.
Week 7
Change Channel
Switching our focus to something else.
Week 8
A.C.C.E.P.T.S.
Seven ways to distract and feel better.
Module 3: Feeling Pilots
Week 9
Feelings Hunt
Naming our emotions with colors.
Week 10
Thermometer
Checking the "heat" of our feelings.
Week 11
Fact vs. Feel
Are my feelings telling me the truth?
Week 12
Opposite Action
Doing the opposite of a bad mood.
Module 4: Friendship Experts
Week 13
D.E.A.R. M.A.N.
How to ask for what you need nicely.
Week 14
G.I.V.E.
Keeping friends through kindness.
Mindful Journey Facilitation Script Mindful Journey: Teacher Facilitation Script
Complete word-for-word scripts and prompts for all 16 sessions.
Module 1: Mindfulness Magic
Session 1: Glitter Jars
Opening:
"Welcome to our Mindful Journey group! Today, we're going to learn about 'Mindfulness.' Does anyone know what that means? [Wait for responses]. It means paying attention to right now, on purpose, and with kindness. Let's look at these jars. When we shake them, the glitter goes everywhere—just like our thoughts when we're busy or upset. Watch what happens when we set them down. Breathe with me... in through your nose, out through your mouth. Notice how the glitter settles? That's what mindfulness does for our brains."
Session 2: Bubble Breathing
Script:
"Today, we're going to use bubbles to practice our breathing. To blow a big, beautiful bubble, do you blow fast and hard, or slow and steady? [Wait for answer]. That's right—slow and steady. When we have big feelings, our bodies want to breathe fast. But if we breathe out like we're blowing a bubble, we send a signal to our brain that says, 'It's okay, you're safe.' Let's try it. Breathe in deep to fill your tummy, then blow... slowly... out."
Session 3: 5 Senses Hunt
Script:
"Sometimes our minds get stuck in the past or the future. Our 5 Senses are like anchors that keep us right here in the present. We're going on a hunt! We're going to find 5 things we can see, 4 things we can touch, 3 things we can hear, 2 things we can smell, and 1 thing we can taste (or a favorite taste we remember). When you find them, notice how your mind feels. Is it focusing on the room? That's mindfulness!"
Session 4: Wise Mind
Script:
"Inside our heads, we have different ways of thinking. We have 'Head Mind,' which only cares about facts and rules. We have 'Heart Mind,' which is all about our big, strong feelings. But the best place to be is in the 'Wise Mind.' That's where the owl lives! The owl listens to the head and the heart and finds the balance. If your Heart Mind says 'I'm so mad I want to yell!' and your Head Mind says 'Yelling is against the rules,' what would your Wise Mind owl say?"
Module 2: Crisis Crusaders
Session 6: TIPP Skills
Script:
"TIPP is like a secret code for your body. T is for Temperature—try cold water on your face to 'reset.' I is for Intense Exercise—do 20 jumping jacks to burn off the 'hot' energy. P is for Paced Breathing—slow down that heart rate. The second P is for Paired Muscle Relaxation—squeeze your hands tight, then let go. Try these when your 'Feeling Thermometer' is at a 5!"
Refer to specific handouts for Weeks 7-16 for detailed role-play scripts.
Glitter Jar Visualization Worksheet My Glitter Jar Journey
"Slow down, watch it settle, breathe deep."
Name
Date
1 Before You Shake
How does your body feel right now? (Circle or write words)
Busy Tired Wiggly Calm
2 Jar Drawing
Draw your jar while it's swirling!
My Thoughts
What words are in your head?
After Settling
How do you feel now?
When can I use my jar?
Group Glitter Jar Activity Group Glitter Jar Practice
Tier 2 Facilitation Guide • Mindfulness Module
Learning Objective
Students will practice observing thoughts and sensations as a non-judgmental "observer" while using a sensory tool to anchor their focus.
Materials
Glitter jars (1 per student)
Visualizer Handout
Soft timer
Activity Procedure (30 min)
1
Setup & The Shake (5 min)
Gather the group in a comfortable circle. Explain that the glitter is like their "thought energy." Have everyone hold their jar and, on the count of three, shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Script: "Imagine all your worries and wiggles are that glitter. Shake them up!"
2
Silent Observation (10 min)
Place jars on the floor in front of each student. Set a 3-minute silent timer. Students must watch only their jar. Instruct them to breathe in as a piece of glitter floats up, and out as one sinks down.
3
Group Reflection (10 min)
Use the "Glitter Talk" prompts:
What did you notice about the water when it was clear?
How did your body change from the "shake" to the "settle"?
If you have a "shaky" mind at lunch, how can you help it settle?
4
Cleanup & Tool Storage (5 min)
Students place their jars in their designated "Calm Box" area or shelf. Remind them this tool is available whenever they need a "mind reset."
Facilitator Tip
For students with high impulsivity, provide a physical boundary (like a small mat) for the jar to sit on, ensuring they don't touch it during the silent observation phase.
Bubble Breathing Guide Handout 🫧
Bubble Breathing Guide
Slow down your breath, calm your heart.
1
Smell the Roses
Breathe in deeply through your nose like you're smelling a flower.
2
Hold the Magic
Hold your breath for a count of 1... 2...
3
Blow the Bubble
Breathe out slowly through your mouth like you're blowing a giant bubble.
Practice Tracker
Color a bubble for every 5 breaths you practice!
Keep it steady! If the bubble pops too fast, you're breathing too hard.
Watch it float! Imagine your worry is inside the bubble floating away.
Five Senses Scavenger Checklist Five Senses Grounding
Your senses are your anchors to the right now.
Mission
Find & Focus
5
Sight
4
Touch
3
Sound
2
Smell
1
Taste
My Observations
5 Things I See
4 Things I Feel (Touch)
3 Things I Hear
2 Things I Smell
1 Thing I Taste (or memory)
How do I feel after focusing on my senses?
Wise Mind Character Chart The Wise Mind Team
Who is in charge of your thoughts right now?
The Professor
Reason Mind
"I love facts, rules, and logic. I don't care about feelings, I just want to solve the problem with my brain!"
Think: Cool & Logical
The Heart
Emotion Mind
"I have BIG feelings! I can be super happy or super mad. Sometimes my feelings make it hard to think clearly."
Think: Hot & Emotional
The Owl
Wise Mind
"I am the balance. I listen to the Professor AND the Heart. I help you find the best path forward."
Think: Calm & Balanced
Which Mind is speaking?
"I'm so angry I could scream at the teacher!"
"The school rule is that we sit at our desks."
"I'm upset, but I can take a breath and ask for help."
Calm Box Assembly Guide My Calm Box Guide
Building your personal kit for big emotion days.
How to Build It
1
Find a shoebox or plastic container that makes you happy.
2
Decorate it with stickers, drawings, or photos of things you love.
3
Gather 1 item for each of your 5 senses (check the list!).
4
Keep it in a safe, easy-to-reach spot for emergencies.
When to use it?
Your Thermometer is at a 4 or 5
You feel overwhelmed or sad
Your body feels too "wiggly" or hot
Sensory Toolbox Ideas
Sight
Glitter jar, photos of family, favorite book.
Touch
Fidget spinner, stress ball, soft fabric, stone.
Sound
Noise-canceling headphones, bird whistle.
Smell
Lavender sachet, scented marker, pine cone.
Heart
Affirmation cards, kind note to self.
TIPP Skills Cue Cards T.I.P.P. Skills Cue Cards
Body hacks to lower your emotional heat in seconds!
T
Temperature
Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube. It signals your body to "dive" into a calm state!
I
Intense Exercise
Do 20 jumping jacks, run in place, or dance fast. Burn off that "hot" energy to reset your mood!
P
Paced Breathing
Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 2, breathe out for 6. Making your exhale longer tells your brain you are safe.
P
Paired Muscle Relaxation
Squeeze your muscles tight (like a lemon) for 5 seconds, then let go completely. Feel the tension melt away.
Cut these cards out and keep them on a key ring or in your calm box!
Change the Channel Cards Change the Channel
Is a bad thought playing on repeat? Flip to a new show!
CH
OK
Thought Remote V1.0
CH 01
The Joker
Tell a joke or find something funny to laugh at.
CH 02
Memory Lane
Think of your favorite vacation or birthday party.
CH 03
Color Spy
Find 5 blue things in the room as fast as you can.
CH 04
Future Fun
Plan your dream playground or a future superpower.
CH 05
Song Pop
Hum your favorite song or whistle a tune.
CH 06
My Own Show ACCEPTS Strategies Poster Handout A.C.C.E.P.T.S.
Ways to Distract Your Mind
A
Activities
Do a puzzle, play a game, or draw a picture.
C
Contributing
Help a friend, do a chore, or give a compliment.
C
Comparisons
Think about a time you were even tougher than now.
E
Emotions
Watch a funny video or read a happy book to change your mood.
P
Pushing Away
Put your problem in an imaginary box for just 5 minutes.
T
Thoughts
Count backwards from 100 or say the alphabet to focus.
S
Sensations
Hold an ice cube or take a hot shower to feel your body.
Color Monster Feelings Chart Color Monster Emotions
What color is your monster today?
✨
Yellow: Joy
Shining like the sun! I want to jump, dance, and play with everyone.
💧
Blue: Sadness
Like a rainy day. I want to be alone and maybe have a quiet cry.
🔥
Red: Anger
Roaring like fire! I feel unfairness and want to shout or stomp.
🌑
Grey: Fear
Feeling small and hidy. The world feels a little too big and scary right now.
🍃
Green: Calm
Quiet like the trees. My breathing is slow and I feel peaceful.
💖
Pink: Love
Warm and fuzzy. I feel connected to my friends and family.
My Monster Today
Draw your own monster and color it with how you feel!
Feelings Thermometer Handout My Feeling Thermometer
How "hot" is your emotion right now?
5
4
3
2
1
❄️
Level 5: Out of Control
I might yell, throw, or cry. I need TIPP skills now!
Level 4: Very Big Feeling
I'm struggling to listen. I need a Calm Box break.
Level 3: I Can Feel It
I'm a bit annoyed or worried. Time for Bubble Breaths.
Level 2: Balanced
I'm focused and ready. I'm in my Wise Mind.
Level 1: Peaceful
I feel great and relaxed. Everything is okay.
Where am I right now?
Fact vs Feeling Sorting Activity Fact vs. Feeling Sort
"Facts are what happened. Feelings are how we react."
Facts
True for everyone. Can be proven with a camera or a witness.
"It is raining outside."
"The sky is blue."
Feelings
Inside of YOU. Can be different for everyone. Not always true.
"I hate the rain!"
"Blue is a sad color."
Fact Mat
Feeling Mat
Cut these cards out and sort them onto the mats above!
"My friend didn't say hi to me."
"My friend hates me now."
"I got a C on my math test."
"I am bad at math."
"The cafeteria is serving pizza."
"Pizza is the best food ever."
"I have a stomach ache."
Opposite Action Choice Board Handout The Opposite Action Board
"If you're feeling a way that isn't helping, try the opposite!"
🔥
When Angry...
You want to fight, yell, or stomp.
Opposite Action
Gently Walk Away & Breathe
Speak softly and relax your hands.
☁️
When Sad...
You want to hide and be alone.
Opposite Action
Get Moving & Socialize
Go for a walk or say hi to a friend.
🐭
When Scared...
You want to run away or avoid.
Opposite Action
Gently Lean In
Take one small step toward the thing.
😴
When Grumpy...
You want to frown and ignore.
Opposite Action
Force a Big Smile
Even if you don't feel it! Trick your brain.
My Challenge:
The next time I feel , I will try to instead.
DEAR MAN Skeleton Handout DEAR MAN Skeleton Script
How to ask for what you need and be heard!
D
Describe
Just the facts of the situation.
E
Express
How you feel. "I feel..."
A
Assert
Ask clearly. "I would like..."
R
Reinforce
Explain why it helps them too.
M
Mindful
Stay focused on your goal.
A
Appear
Confident voice and posture.
N
Negotiate
Be willing to give a little.
My Practice Request
Try asking a friend to share a toy:
Describe (The facts)
"You have been using the red car for 10 minutes..."
Express (How you feel)
"I feel sad because I want a turn..."
Assert (What you want)
Reinforce (Reward them)
GIVE Skills Reminder Handout G.I.V.E. Skills Reminder
How to keep friendships and make people feel good.
G
Gentle
Be nice. No attacks, no threats, no judging. Use a soft voice and a kind face.
I
Interested
Listen! Look at the person, don't interrupt, and ask questions about what they say.
V
Validate
Show you understand. "I can see why you feel that way." or "That makes sense."
E
Easy Manner
Smile! Use a little humor. Stay relaxed and easy to talk to.
Pair Practice Challenge
Take turns being the listener. Use your GIVE skills while your partner tells you about their favorite animal.
I used a GENTLE voice.
I looked INTERESTED.
FAST Skills Reminder Handout F.A.S.T. Skills
How to be fair to others AND true to yourself.
F
Fair
Be fair to yourself and the other person. Think of what's best for everyone.
A
Apologies (None!)
Don't over-apologize for having an opinion or saying no. No "I'm sorry, but..."
S
Stick to Values
Be clear about what you believe is right. Don't sell out to be "cool."
T
Truthful
Don't lie, act helpless, or exaggerate. Speak the truth clearly.
My FAST Pledge
"I will use my FAST skills to stand up for myself with kindness and truth."
DBT Jeopardy Game Board DBT Skills Jeopardy
The ultimate review game for our 16-week journey!
Mindfulness
100
200
300
Crisis
100
200
300
Feelings
100
200
300
Friends
100
200
300
Teacher Question Key
M-100: What do we watch settle in our mindfulness jar? (Glitter)
M-200: Name 3 of your 5 senses. (Sight, Sound, Touch, etc.)
M-300: Which mind character is the balance of Head and Heart? (Wise Mind Owl)
C-100: What does the "T" in TIPP stand for? (Temperature)
C-200: Where do we keep our sensory tools? (Calm Box)
C-300: What is one "Channel" you can flip to for distraction? (Joke, Song, etc.)
F-100: What color monster is "Calm"? (Green)
F-200: If I am grumpy but I force a big smile, what skill am I using? (Opposite Action)
F-300: True or False: Feelings are always facts. (False)
Fr-100: In DEAR MAN, what does the "A" stand for? (Assert/Ask clearly)
Fr-200: Which skill is about being Gentle and Interested? (GIVE)
Fr-300: What skill helps us stay fair and tell the truth? (FAST)
DBT Completion Certificate Handout Certificate of Completion
Mindful DBT Journey
This certificate is proudly awarded to:
for demonstrating resilience, practicing mindfulness, and mastering the tools of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to build a calmer, more mindful future.
Teacher / Facilitator
Master of Mindfulness
Date
