Zen Zone Part 3: Mindful Meditation

For activity 3, we are tying activities one and two into our final activity. Students will practice mindful meditation once a day in their zen zone.

Who: Middle and High School Students. Many middle adolescents have more arguments with their parents as they struggle for more independence. They may spend less time with family and more time with friends. They are very concerned about their appearance, and peer pressure may peak at this age. Listening to music may help with self identity and awareness. 

What: Students will check in everyday with identifying how they are feeling with an emotions chart (emoji chart) to pick from below. Together as a class or individually, students will practice a mindful meditation activity to help center their focus on school work & to control stress. 

Self-Awareness

The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts (CASEL, 2006). Students will learn how to identify and process their emotions by using an emotional chart for identification. Their playlist will support these emotions, and their "zen zone" will support a positive learning environment.

How: Students will click on the link to "Mindful Meditation. In their zen zone, students will follow the steps below:

1. Sit down comfortably and close your eyes.

2. Bring all of your attention to your breath and slow it down, taking deep inhales and slow exhales.

3. Let’s have the mind follow the breath—no matter what. Picture yourself as your mind, the one that’s following your big brother, your breath. Try to focus your mind on the breath and follow as the breath inhales and exhales.

4. Count your breaths at the end of every exhale. Don’t let your mind count before the end of the exhale. The mind always wants to jump ahead, but don’t let it. Allow it to remain focused on being the follower.

5. Count to 10 slowly, always at the end of each exhale, continuing to let the mind follow the breath.

Materials: ipad, chromebook, or computer for Google Classroom access and for access to their playlists. Chart included & link to a guided mediation for kids.