Lesson Plan
Session 1: Deep Breathing Basics
Students will learn and practice a simple deep breathing technique to manage big emotions by engaging in demonstration, guided practice, a movement game, and a cool-down reflection.
Teaching deep breathing equips students with an evidence-based coping skill that reduces stress, improves focus, and helps regulate emotions during challenging moments.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Deep Breathing
3 minutes
Step 2
Demonstration
4 minutes
Step 3
Guided Breathing Practice
5 minutes
Step 4
Balloon Belly Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down and Reflection
3 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome to Deep Breathing!
Why Deep Breathing?
Step 1: Breathe In
Step 2: Breathe Out
Let’s Practice!
Activity
Game
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 2: Positive Self-Talk
Students will understand the concept of positive self-talk and practice turning negative thoughts into encouraging statements through modeling, partner practice, a mirror affirmation activity, a fun game, and a brief reflection.
Positive self-talk builds resilience and confidence, helping students manage stress, counter negative thoughts, and stay motivated when challenges arise.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Self-Talk
3 minutes
Step 2
Modeling Positive Self-Talk
4 minutes
Step 3
Guided Reframing Practice
5 minutes
Step 4
Mirror Talk Activity
3 minutes
Step 5
Affirmation Ball Toss Game
3 minutes
Step 6
Cool-Down and Reflection
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome to Positive Self-Talk!
What Is Self-Talk?
Negative vs. Positive Thoughts
How to Reframe Thoughts
Let’s Practice Reframing!
Activity
Game
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 3: Mindful Movement
Students will learn simple mindful movements—like shaking, stretching, and slow-motion exercises—to release tension, boost focus, and become aware of bodily sensations through demonstration, guided practice, a Shake-and-Stretch activity, a Movement Bingo game, and a reflective cool-down.
Incorporating mindful movement helps students regulate energy, reduce stress, and improve attention by tuning into their bodies and releasing built-up tension.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Mindful Movement
3 minutes
Step 2
Demonstration of Shake and Stretch
4 minutes
Step 3
Guided Shake-and-Stretch Activity
5 minutes
Step 4
Movement Bingo Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool-Down and Reflection
3 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome to Mindful Movement!
Why Move Mindfully?
Movement 1: Shake It Out
Movement 2: Reach & Stretch
Let’s Practice Shake & Stretch
Activity
Game
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Session 4: 5-Sense Grounding
Students will learn how to use their five senses to ground themselves and calm big feelings by noticing what they see, hear, feel, smell, and taste through modeling, guided practice with a worksheet, a sensory sorting activity, an active Senses March game, and a reflective cool-down.
Grounding with the five senses helps young learners pull their attention into the present moment, reducing anxiety and strengthening emotional regulation when they feel upset.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to 5-Sense Grounding
3 minutes
Step 2
Demonstration of Each Sense
3 minutes
Step 3
Guided Worksheet Practice
4 minutes
Step 4
Sensory Card Sorting Activity
4 minutes
Step 5
Senses March Movement Game
4 minutes
Step 6
Cool-Down and Reflection
2 minutes
