Lesson Plan

All-Process Station Plan

Students will engage in six rotating stations to practice each ACT process—cognitive defusion, acceptance, mindfulness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action—and consolidate learning with a group reflection game.

This lesson builds psychological flexibility and emotional resilience by immersing 6th graders in hands-on, evidence-based ACT strategies, fostering mindfulness, values awareness, and commitment skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Station Rotations

36 minutes

Step 3

Flexibility Bingo Game

10 minutes

Step 4

Debrief and Reflection

4 minutes

Activity

Slide Deck

ACT in Action Overview

Welcome, everyone! Today we’re launching our ACT in Action session. Briefly introduce yourself and invite students to engage fully in each station.

Session Objectives & Agenda

Read through the Objectives and Agenda so students know what to expect. Emphasize participation and curiosity.

What Is ACT?

Define ACT in simple terms and stress the why behind today’s stations. Check for understanding by asking a quick question.

Process 1: Cognitive Defusion

Explain cognitive defusion and give a quick live demo: say “I’m having the thought that…” and share a common thought.

Process 2: Acceptance

Guide students to notice a physical sensation (e.g., shoulders tensing) as an example of acceptance.

Process 3: Mindfulness

Invite everyone to do a 30-second mindfulness exercise (focus on your breathing or an object).

Process 4: Self-as-Context

Draw the movie-screen metaphor on the board and ask a volunteer to describe their “watcher.”

Process 5: Values Clarification

Display a list of values words and ask students to think of real actions tied to their own top values.

Process 6: Committed Action

Model breaking a goal (e.g., “be kinder”) into smaller steps with timelines.

Station Rotation Instructions

Explain the rotation process in detail and point out where students can find timers and materials.