MVP 2.0 - Lessons in SEL - Inner Reflection

-Inner Reflection-

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON: The webpage below is intended to be projected for students to follow along. It includes basic instructions, definitions, etc. to guide students. Depending on your technology, you can have a student in charge of scrolling through the site, on your cues. Just have them try not to scroll past the thin purple dividers or thick colored banners until you are ready to start that next section!

You will also need to download and/or print this facilitator's guide. This document contains extra instructions, facilitator's notes, and other behind-the-scenes content necessary for the lesson.

Grade 10 - Inner Reflection (25-30 minutes)

Objective: You will gain an understanding of what mindfulness is and is not, and will learn about healthy mindfulness practices

NOTE:

The Google Slides provided here will guide you and your class through the entire lesson. You will also find an outline of the lesson below.

Please note that additional facilitator instructions are included in the "Speaker Notes" section. You can view and project the slides from the section to the right, or may wish to open directly in Google Slides using the button below.

Mindfulness Lesson Slide Deck

10th grade mindfulness

Introduction

Sit in a circle.

Offer a one-word response to the following question:

What causes you stress?

Main Activities

Teach:

Consider this image and discuss the following prompts with a partner:

How do you know you are stressed?

What are some long term effects?

Share common themes you heard.

Remember, a little stress every now and then is not something to be concerned about.

Watch:

We will be watching a video that introduces you to the concept of mindfulness.

Let's consider the following questions:

What is mindfulness?

What is mindfulness not?

When can mindfulness be used in our own lives?

Do:

We will be practicing mindfulness for 5 minutes today.

We will have a calming 5-minute timer video with background music and pacing for you during this practice.

Notice the Good

When we're stressed, it puts the brain in a fearful state, and therefore we start to pay more attention to threats, which only makes the stress worse!

Start to notice the things that are good, or even just okay, right now.

Sit now and notice ten things that are beautiful, helpful, kind, or pleasant.

Body Scan

As you inhale and exhale, practice observing and accepting the thoughts, feelings, and sensations you are experiencing in this present moment.

Close your eyes and squeeze the muscles in your feet. Hold them tight, then release and relax. Do the same in your legs and continue up your body.

Journaling

Mindfulness journaling helps us to explore who you are and what's on your mind. It allows you to contemplate what's going on in your life and ensure that you're aware of every decision that you make.

Journal today about what makes you procrastinate. Be honest about why you choose to put these things off.

Zen Tangles

Art and doodling can be a very helpful way to engage the body, mind, and senses during the practice of mindfulness. This video explains the practice of "Zen Tangles" and how they can promote mindfulness.

Start watching at two minutes in, and try out a Zen Tangle on your own! All you need is paper and a writing utensil.

Mindful Breathing

Wherever we go, whatever we are doing, our bodies are probably busy breathing and our brains busy thinking. That means that our breath and thoughts are two really great places to draw our focus when we want to practice mindfulness.

Take a few minutes to sit back, relax, and do a brief guided meditation and breathing exercise.

Closing

What practice were you assigned?

How do you feel now?

Who would this practice be best suited for?

Will you try it again or choose a different practice for managing your stress?

Looking for a little more content?

Extension Activity:

You are invited to spend some time checking out a variety of additional resources that can be helpful in practicing mindfulness. A few are linked below.