MINDFULNESS (SEL) ACTIVITIES:
ACTIVITY #1
Discussion Starters
In support of our focus on student wellness through the semester, consider sharing this short video explaining what mindfulness is:
Do you agree that mindfulness is a superpower? Why or why not?
Why is mindfulness difficult for people today?
What is an easy way that you could be mindful each day?
Is there something we could do in our Ensemble as a mindfulness routine?
(this same YouTube channel has more interesting videos on topics like stress,
meditation, negative thinking, compassion.)
ACTIVITY #2
In support of our focus on student wellness through the end of the semester, consider this discussion and activity as part of a class mindfulness routine.
Discussion:
• Did you do anything to support your own mindfulness or mental health over the
break?
• What is one thing that you are focusing on or letting go of to support your own
mindfulness?
Video
This video introduces the 5-4-3-2-1 method of grounding yourself in your surroundings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30VMIEmA114
After watching the video, consider these discussion questions:
• Which of the 5 senses was the most difficult to identify?
• Did you notice anything in the room that you haven’t noticed before?
• Why do you think this method could be helpful for people experiencing anxiety?
ACADEMIC SUCCESS ACTIVITIES:
1) START OF THE YEAR - Consider sharing this video (or another appropriate video, text or quote) regarding Goal Setting.
This video from Emmanuel Acho states his preference on goal setting vs. setting
objectives with no limitations. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2AYJ6fS-AMU
Some discussion questions you could ask:
• What do students want to experience this year?
• Into what do students want to put effort?
• How do students want to feel halfway through the year? At the end of the year?
• What impact do students want to have on this community?
• What relationships do students want to improve?
Use a method for your Ensemble to record their goals, intentions, or objectives either
as a group record or individually.
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES:
Team Building - Games, connection circle, or gratitude activity.
Possible Conversation starters:
• “Gratitude Competition”
• Students write on a piece of paper or in journal for 3 minutes
• List as many things for which they are grateful as possible
• Who has the highest number? Who has the most unique item?
• Is there someone you could thank on your list? Is there a way to express gratitude for something on your list?
• Benefits of Gratitude
• Ask “What are the benefits of gratitude?”
• Watch this 2 minute video on gratitude: https://youtu.be/JMd1CcGZYwU
• What is a benefit that you did not know about? What is a benefit that makes sense?
• Students send a text, email, or write a note to someone to tap into benefits of gratitude.
JUST FOR FUN: