Lesson Plan

Mind Matters

Students will explore mental health awareness by identifying signs of stress and anxiety, practice a self-compassion exercise, and reflect on coping strategies through individual and partner activities.

Understanding mental health fosters emotional awareness, reduces stigma, and equips students with tools to manage stress, promoting a supportive classroom culture.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Mental Health

5 minutes

Step 2

Identifying Stress and Anxiety

8 minutes

Step 3

Self-Compassion Break Practice

7 minutes

Step 4

Coping Strategies Practice

13 minutes

Step 5

Worksheet Reflection

7 minutes

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Assessment

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome students! Play the 1:16 clip “Welcome to Mental Health Month, here's where to start” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Qn7xfk7oF_I). After watching, ask: “What message stood out to you? How can we apply these ideas to our own mental health?” Then explain that today we’ll learn what mental health is, identify signs of stress and anxiety, practice coping strategies, and reflect on our well-being.

Play the 1:36 clip “What is Mental Health? A video for mental health awareness” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/G0M41N1Lyw4). Afterwards, ask: - “What new idea did you see about mental health?” - “How does this match or expand our definition?” Record student responses before moving on.

Physical Signs of Stress

Explain that stress can show up physically. Invite students to share any experiences with these sensations.

Emotional & Behavioral Signs

Discuss how stress also affects emotions and behaviors. Encourage students to add examples.

Introduce a brief guided self-compassion exercise. Play the 5:29 clip “5 Minute Self-Compassion Break” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_i2zpirOwhI). Encourage students to follow along silently and notice how they feel. Afterward, ask: “What did you notice about your thoughts or body during the exercise?”

Stress Scenarios

Display common stress scenarios. Ask students to silently review them and select one they relate to. Then turn to an elbow partner to share which scenario they chose and why.

Coping Strategies

Display the list of coping strategies. Ask students to review all options and silently choose two they feel would work best for them. Then turn to an elbow partner to share their choices and reasoning.

Worksheet Reflection

Distribute the worksheet. Circulate to support students as they identify personal stress triggers and select two coping strategies from the slide. Encourage thoughtful action plans.

Wrap-Up & Resources

Invite volunteers to share one strategy they chose and an action plan detail. Reinforce positive coping and point to support resources.

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Mind Matters

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rcolosi

Tier 1
For Schools
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