Lesson Plan

Mindful Minutes Routine

Students will learn and practice simple grounding and breathing techniques—Five‐Sense Scan, 4-7-8 breathing, and a guided circle activity—to calm anxiety and boost focus.

Equipping 5th graders with quick, accessible mindfulness tools helps them self-regulate emotions, reduce stress, and improve classroom readiness and concentration.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Five-Sense Scan

3 minutes

Step 2

Instruction: Breath & Ground Teaching

5 minutes

Step 3

Activity: Guided Breathing Circle

8 minutes

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection Prompt

4 minutes

Slide Deck

Mindful Minutes: Breath & Ground Guide

Welcome students and introduce the purpose of today’s session. Tell them we’ll learn simple breathing and grounding tools to help calm our minds and focus.

What Is Mindfulness?

Define mindfulness in kid-friendly terms. Emphasize observing thoughts and feelings without judging them.

Why Breathe Mindfully?

Discuss real-life examples: before a test, when upset, or at the start of class. Highlight calming benefits.

4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Show each step slowly. Count aloud as you model with your hand on your belly. Invite students to watch your breathing.

Let’s Practice Together

Lead the group through 2–3 rounds. Count each second visibly or aloud. Encourage soft, even breaths.

Grounding with Five Senses

Explain that grounding uses our five senses to bring our attention back to the present. Show a visual or demonstrate first.

Tips for Success

Encourage regular practice. Suggest pairing exercises with transitions (e.g., before tests or recess).

Next Steps & Reflection

Introduce the Reflection Prompt Worksheet to capture how students feel now and which practice they liked best.