Outdoor Mindfulness

A fun summer-themed SEL activity designed for small groups of 1st graders to explore and share their emotions using bright beach imagery and playful prompts. This 15-minute session helps students build emotional awareness and communication skills in a joyful, seasonal context.

In this lesson, students will embark on a mindful walk around the school campus to observe the changes in nature during autumn. They will practice being present and discuss how different sights, sounds, and smells make them feel. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, which are crucial for their overall well-being and ability to focus.

Introduce Kindergartners and 1st graders to the basics of mindfulness through calming exercises and relaxation techniques aimed at improving focus and emotional regulation. This lesson supports students in developing early self-regulation and concentration skills in a fun, age-appropriate way. Audience: Kindergarten and 1st Grade; Sessions: 1; Duration: 30 minutes.

In this lesson, students will engage in a guided mindfulness activity centered around the autumn season. They will use sensory experiences to ground themselves and find peace, which helps reduce stress and fosters a calm, focused mind for learning. This lesson is important as it provides students with tools to manage stress and improve their emotional well-being, enhancing their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.

This lesson introduces 1st graders to mindfulness through a fun and engaging activity. Students will watch a short video, participate in a breathing exercise, and complete a worksheet to reinforce their learning. This lesson helps students develop focus, calmness, and gratitude, which are essential skills for emotional regulation and overall well-being.

Students in Pre-K will immerse themselves in a playful, nature-inspired mindfulness lesson to develop sensory awareness, emotional balance, and self-regulation through meadow-themed activities like breathing exercises and guided sensory exploration. This lesson is important for cultivating focus, calm, and emotional vocabulary in young learners, making mindfulness engaging and accessible.

A daily 10-minute routine for 2nd graders to build mindfulness, improve focus, and self-regulation through engaging grounding, listening, and body scan practices. This Tier 1 lesson helps students start their day centered and ready to learn.

This lesson introduces 2nd-grade students to mindfulness techniques to help them manage their emotions and reactions. Students will practice simple breathing exercises and engage in mindful listening activities. This lesson is important as it equips young learners with tools to enhance their emotional regulation and focus, promoting a calm and attentive classroom environment.

A targeted small-group mindfulness session for 2nd graders focusing on emotional regulation and on-task behavior through self-monitoring checklists. This Tier 2 intervention helps students build awareness and control, improving focus and emotional well-being. Audience: 2nd Grade Group; Sessions: 1; Duration: 30 minutes.

A Tier 2 small-group mindfulness session for 6th graders designed to build self-management and focus through breathing, visualization, and gratitude practices. Over 20 minutes, students engage in guided activities that strengthen emotional regulation and positive mindset—essential skills for academic and personal success.

Introduce practices that help young children become aware of their thoughts and feelings through simple mindfulness exercises. Activities include breathing games and a mindful listening exercise to help students develop emotional regulation and awareness in a fun, age-appropriate way.

Individual mindfulness practice to help 7th graders calm their minds, regulate emotions, and improve self-control through brief guided exercises. This 20-minute session empowers students with self-management skills that support emotional well-being.

In this 20-minute Tier 1 classroom session for 5th graders, students will learn foundational mindfulness strategies—breathing techniques and guided imagery—to manage stress and boost their focus; these tools build emotional regulation skills important for academic success and well-being.

In this 30-minute session, 7th graders will learn practical strategies to understand and manage their emotions. This lesson builds essential emotional regulation skills, helping students improve focus and relationships in and out of school.

A summer kickoff lesson that uses a fun treasure-hunt theme to introduce self-awareness and self-management for 3rd graders in a 45-minute session. This Tier 1 lesson builds buy-in and confidence through engaging challenges and reflection activities.

In this 7-minute Tier 1 warm-up for 1st graders, students will learn simple breathing and mindfulness techniques while connecting to family and community supports, fostering emotional well-being and awareness of their support network.

In this single 45-minute session, K–8 students will learn mindfulness and stress-management strategies to stay calm and focused during the hectic end-of-year period. By guiding them through engaging activities and discussions, students will develop skills they can use anytime, anywhere to regulate emotions.

In this 45-minute lesson for fourth graders, students will learn fun and practical self-care strategies for a healthy and happy summer break. This lesson builds foundational habits for physical, emotional, and social well-being, ensuring students return to school refreshed and resilient. Audience: 4th grade, Sessions: 1, Duration: 45 minutes.

For Grades 2 and 4, guide your students to create a 'soundscape' using everyday sounds. They cultivate mindfulness and focus, improving listening skills and awareness of their surroundings. This fosters a peaceful, reflective environment.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to mindfulness through a fun and engaging activity, a short video, and a worksheet. Students will learn to focus on their breathing and imagination to cultivate a sense of calm and gratitude. This lesson is important as it helps young children develop emotional regulation skills and a sense of inner peace, which are crucial for their overall well-being and social interactions.

30-minute SEL lesson for 7th graders focusing on self-awareness and emotional regulation. This Tier 1 activity equips students with mindfulness and reflection strategies to manage stress and emotions in and out of the classroom.

Students will explore how their thoughts shape emotions and learn mindfulness and cognitive techniques to manage moods. This helps build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Audience: Grades 6–8; 1 session, 50 minutes.

This 8-week series introduces 3rd-grade students to mindfulness and self-care practices. Each week focuses on a different aspect of emotional well-being, helping students develop skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and enhance focus and concentration. The series is designed to build a foundation for lifelong emotional health. Aligning with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, this series supports students in developing a positive attitude toward self and learning, as well as interpersonal skills.

A small-group mindfulness program teaching 7th graders breathing and visualization techniques to reduce stress and improve focus. This Tier 2 group lesson includes 20-minute sessions with structured activities for developing lifelong wellness skills.

This lesson introduces students to mindfulness and its benefits during recess. It begins with a short video that guides children through a tree meditation exercise, followed by a discussion on how mindfulness can help them stay calm and make better decisions during recess. The lesson ends with a practice activity to reinforce these concepts.

In this 30-minute 7th grade Tier 1 behavioral lesson, students will learn self-regulation strategies to manage emotions, stay focused, and build a positive classroom environment. This foundational skill helps reduce conflicts, improve attention, and enhance well-being.

In this lesson, students will engage in a 'Mindful Maze' activity designed to enhance their cognitive flexibility by adapting to new rules and patterns. Through this activity, they will learn mindfulness techniques to help them stay focused and calm. This lesson is important as it helps young learners develop essential skills such as adaptability, focus, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for their overall development and success in various learning environments.

This 5-session lesson for 6th graders focuses on developing mindfulness skills, helping students manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. Each 30-minute session will introduce practical mindfulness techniques that students can apply in their daily lives, fostering a calm and focused classroom environment.

In this 15-minute Tier 2 group lesson, 3rd graders will build self-regulation skills through playful, interactive games. Students will practice mindful movement, breath control, and reflection to help them manage emotions and stay focused. This lesson helps struggling students gain tools for self-control in a fun, supportive environment.

In this lesson, students will navigate a 'Mindful Maze' designed to enhance cognitive flexibility by adapting to new rules and patterns. They will learn mindfulness techniques to stay focused and calm during the process. This lesson is important as it helps young learners develop essential skills such as adaptability, focus, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for their overall development and success in various learning environments.

This lesson introduces students to mindfulness through a daily 'Mindful Minute Challenge.' Students will engage in short, focused breathing exercises to help manage stress and increase concentration. This practice is important as it equips students with tools to enhance their emotional regulation and focus, which are crucial skills for both academic success and personal well-being.

This lesson introduces students to mindfulness practices through fun and interactive exercises that promote focus and emotional regulation. Students will learn techniques to manage stress and enhance their well-being, which are essential skills for their personal development and academic success.

In this engaging 45-minute session for 4th graders, students will rotate through various stations to learn and practice different coping skills. This lesson is crucial for helping students manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

A tranquil session designed for grades K-3 where students create a 'garden' of calm inside the classroom. They will explore mindfulness through guided imagery and collaborative art, promoting relaxation and emotional regulation.

This lesson introduces 2nd graders to active learning through a combination of mindfulness, discussion, and hands-on activities. By incorporating a short video, students will explore the concept of mindfulness and how it can be applied to their learning process. This lesson is important as it helps students develop focus, emotional regulation, and a positive learning mindset.

Introduce students to mindfulness through interactive activities that encourage presence and awareness. Perfect for upper elementary students, this lesson helps them develop skills to reduce anxiety and improve focus, especially useful in busy school environments.

Quick mindfulness exercises to start or refocus the day for 3rd graders in a Tier 1 classroom setting. This 10-minute routine builds attention, reduces stress, and enhances classroom climate, helping students begin or reset their learning with calm and focus.

In this 5-session, 30-minute mini-course, 3rd graders will build essential life skills—self-awareness, empathy, communication, problem-solving, and responsibility—to become confident, caring learners and friends. This Tier 1 classroom series uses interactive activities, discussion, and practice worksheets to make real-life skills fun and memorable.

This lesson focuses on helping 4th graders understand and regulate their emotions through engaging activities and discussions. By using Game-Based and Experiential Learning strategies, students will explore different emotions and learn practical techniques to manage them effectively. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal growth and social interactions.

In this lesson, students will engage in guided mindfulness exercises to learn how to recognize and manage their emotions. The session will conclude with a reflection on how mindfulness can be applied in daily life. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to enhance their emotional well-being and improve focus and concentration in their daily activities.

Engage the entire class in a fun and interactive game that reinforces mindfulness practices and encourages students to "catch" moments of calm throughout their day. This lesson is important as it helps first graders develop emotional regulation skills and promotes a peaceful classroom environment. Designed for a 1st grade class, this session will last 30 minutes and is suitable for Tier 1 classroom-wide support.

In this lesson, kindergarteners will explore various sensory tools through a fun and interactive game. The goal is to help students understand how these tools can be used to calm down and manage emotions. This lesson is important as it introduces young learners to self-regulation techniques in a playful manner, fostering emotional awareness and resilience.

This 15-minute Tier 1 behavioral support routine introduces kindergarteners to three brief mindfulness exercises—Breathing Balloon, Five Senses Scan, and Peaceful Posture—to help reduce stress, build self-control, and foster emotional awareness in the classroom.

A 15-minute small-group series of quick mindfulness exercises for 3rd graders during Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed at reducing stress and improving focus. This Tier 2 lesson provides structured practices and reflection, requiring minimal prep and fostering emotional well-being.

This lesson introduces young learners to breathing exercises that align with the rhythm of the holidays. Through playful, guided breathing actions mimicking snowflakes, winter winds, and cozy fires, students learn to manage excitement and emotions using breathing as a calming tool. This lesson is important as it helps students develop self-regulation skills and emotional awareness, which are crucial for their social-emotional development.

This lesson aims to help 3rd graders understand and practice emotional regulation through a combination of video, game-based learning, and discussion. By engaging in these activities, students will learn strategies to manage their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.

In this 30-minute 7th-grade lesson, students will learn practical skills to manage feelings of depression, including recognizing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and building a personal coping toolbox. This Tier 1, classroom-wide session helps students develop resilience and emotional awareness—vital life skills for their well-being.

This lesson helps third graders learn to self-regulate their emotions through engaging activities and discussions. By using blended and game-based learning strategies, students will explore different emotions and how to manage them effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills for emotional intelligence, fostering a positive classroom environment and personal well-being.

This lesson engages 3rd and 4th graders in a cooperative game designed to enhance teamwork and positivity. Through game-based learning, students will practice working together and maintaining a positive attitude, which are essential skills for their social and emotional development. The lesson concludes with a discussion to reflect on the experience and reinforce the importance of these skills.

Mindful Moments guides a small group of 4th graders through simple, 25-minute mindfulness exercises each session to help manage anxiety and improve focus. This Tier 2 counseling & therapy intervention equips students with tools they can use both in and out of the classroom, fostering self-regulation and emotional awareness.

A small-group, 25-minute weekly mindfulness practice for 4th graders focused on managing anxiety and improving attention through simple, engaging exercises. This Tier 2 group lesson equips students with practical strategies to calm their minds, boost focus, and build emotional resilience.

This lesson introduces 2nd graders to mindfulness through a tree meditation exercise. Students will engage in a guided mindfulness activity using the 'Mindful Minutes: Tree Meditation for Children' video, which helps them visualize themselves as strong, calm trees swaying in the wind. This lesson is important as it helps students develop emotional regulation and focus, promoting a sense of calm and gratitude.

In this 20-minute Tier 1 activity for 1st graders, classmates uncover each other’s hidden strengths through fun interactions, building respect, recognition, and a supportive classroom vibe. This quick enrichment develops social-emotional skills like empathy and positive self-image through recognition activities.

This lesson introduces young students to mindfulness through simple exercises and guided imagery. It aims to help them focus on the present moment and manage stress effectively. By learning these techniques, students can improve their concentration, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

This lesson introduces 7th graders to mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, helping them understand and manage their emotions effectively. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will learn practical strategies to enhance their emotional well-being, crucial for their personal and academic growth.

This lesson introduces PreK students to basic mindfulness techniques through engaging and interactive activities. By focusing on recognizing and managing emotions, students will develop foundational skills in emotional awareness and self-regulation. This lesson is important as it helps young learners build a toolkit for emotional resilience, which is crucial for their overall mental health and well-being.

This lesson is designed to enhance social skills among 4th-grade students through a game-based learning approach. Students will participate in a fun and interactive activity that encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy. This lesson is important as it helps students develop essential social skills that are crucial for their personal and academic growth.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 6th graders, students will learn a core Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skill—mindfulness—through an engaging video and hands-on practice. This lesson helps students develop emotional awareness and stress-management strategies they can use in daily life.

In this 45-minute Tier 1 lesson, a school counselor introduces 6th graders to the Zones of Regulation framework to help them identify and manage their emotions. Students will learn to recognize different emotional zones, practice strategies to regulate their feelings, and reflect on how to apply these tools in real-life situations.

In this one-session lesson for grades 4-5, students cultivate gratitude and mindfulness by creating a collaborative 'Gratitude Garden'. They'll write and share notes of appreciation, fostering community, positivity, and self-awareness. This lesson builds social-emotional skills and encourages a mindful attitude toward daily life.

This lesson introduces 5th graders in a small group to mindfulness techniques, teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus. Through a 20-minute routine, students will learn and practice individual counseling techniques that support self-regulation and emotional wellness.

This lesson introduces 9th graders to mindfulness through engaging activities that promote self-awareness and emotional regulation. By incorporating game-based learning and restorative practices, students will learn to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing their overall well-being. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage their emotions and improve their mental health, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

This lesson introduces PreK students to mindfulness through engaging activities that help them recognize and manage their emotions. By using fun and interactive methods, children will learn simple strategies to calm themselves and focus, which are essential skills for emotional regulation and overall well-being.

This lesson guides young students through calming breathing exercises and helps them set personal intentions for the new year. It encourages mindfulness, self-care, and personal growth, which are essential for developing emotional regulation and focus at an early age.

Emotion Garden is a one-on-one project where 1st graders plant and track “emotion seeds” over several sessions to build growth mindset and emotional reflection skills. This Tier 3, 40-minute session series meets the unique needs of individual students, teaching mental and emotional health through creative, hands-on experiences.

In this 30-minute small-group session, 11th graders reflect on their social-emotional strengths and challenges, then set actionable summer goals to support self-awareness and personal growth. This Tier 2 enrichment helps students maintain and build SEL skills over the break, fostering community exploration and a growth mindset.

Encourage Pre-K to Grade 2 students to explore a 'Mindful Movement Maze,' blending mindfulness with gentle physical activity. This lesson enhances body awareness and emotional regulation through playful hula hoop mazes that represent different mindful scenarios.

In this 30-minute SEL lesson, 1st graders will explore and identify emotions through a fun ‘safari’ adventure that builds self-awareness and social skills. This engaging session uses stories, movement, and art to help students recognize feelings in themselves and others, fostering empathy and classroom connection.

This lesson engages young learners in a discussion about how different seasons might affect our feelings. Students will match various weather conditions with emotions and create artworks expressing how they feel in different seasons. This lesson is important as it aids in emotional expression and creativity, helping children understand and articulate their feelings in relation to their environment.

A small-group mindfulness routine teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus in a 5th-grade group. This Tier 2 lesson includes a 20-minute session with structured activities and visual support to foster emotional regulation and boost concentration.

Elementary students will plant seeds of gratitude, creating gardens that not only thrive physically but also represent personal growth and positivity. Through hands-on activities and group reflections, students will learn to appreciate their surroundings and cultivate gratitude as a mindfulness practice. Audience: Grades 2-5; 1 session (50 mins).

In this 15-minute, one-session lesson for 7th graders, students will learn healthy coping skills to maintain positive mental health over the summer months. This Tier 1 classroom lesson equips students with practical strategies they can use at home, at camp, or with friends, promoting resilience and well-being.

This lesson introduces 3rd-grade students to the concept of emotion regulation using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques. Through a fun and interactive game, students will learn to identify and manage their emotions effectively. The lesson also includes a short video to reinforce the concepts. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle their emotions, promoting mental well-being and positive interactions with peers.

This lesson introduces elementary students to mindfulness practices and techniques for emotional regulation. Through engaging activities such as breathing exercises and emotion identification games, students will learn how to identify and manage their emotions effectively. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle stress and emotions, promoting better mental health and well-being.

An individualized plan for 2nd grade students teaching short mindfulness exercises to build impulse control and calm their minds. This 15-minute Tier 3 session helps students develop self-management skills through guided breathing and reflection.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to mindfulness practices through engaging activities like breathing exercises, guided visualization, and mindful coloring. These practices help young learners manage stress and improve focus, fostering a calm and attentive classroom environment. By incorporating mindfulness at an early age, students can develop essential skills for emotional regulation and concentration.

In this lesson, students will explore how the change in seasons can impact their feelings. Through a creative art project, each student will draw a seasonal tree and write their feelings on the leaves. This activity encourages emotional expression and reflection, helping young students to connect their emotions with environmental changes, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

In this 30-minute small-group series, ninth graders learn to identify and articulate their emotions by mapping them to weather patterns. This lesson boosts self-awareness and emotional literacy in a supportive Tier 2 setting.

In this 30-minute icebreaker for 5th graders, students will explore common coping skills through a fun, interactive mingling activity that builds classroom community and promotes mental health awareness. This Tier 1 lesson helps students recognize healthy strategies for managing emotions and sets a positive tone for future SEL learning.

In this lesson, students will engage in a mindfulness exercise by visualizing a peaceful garden. They will then share their imagined stories in a class circle, fostering creativity and providing stress relief. This activity helps young students develop mindfulness skills, enhances their imagination, and encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 classroom lesson for 1st graders, students will learn to identify and regulate their emotions using “superhero” coping skills. Through interactive games, discussions, and hands-on activities, children will discover simple strategies to calm down, breathe, and make positive choices. This foundational social-emotional lesson empowers young learners with tools to manage feelings and foster a supportive classroom environment.

This lesson plan is designed to help elementary school teachers facilitate a session on social-emotional learning (SEL) and multitiered systems of support (MTSS) using game-based learning, trauma-informed teaching, and collaborative learning strategies. The lesson will engage students in activities that promote empathy, teamwork, and emotional regulation, while also providing teachers with tools to support diverse learners. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential life skills and helps create a supportive classroom environment.

This lesson guides students on a sensory walk, encouraging them to use their senses to explore their environment. This mindfulness exercise helps students center themselves, improving focus and reducing anxiety. By engaging with their surroundings, students learn to be present in the moment, which can enhance their emotional well-being and concentration.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to coping skills through a fun and interactive adventure. Using a video, game-based activities, and collaborative discussions, students will learn how to manage difficult emotions effectively. This lesson is crucial for building emotional resilience and helping young learners navigate their feelings in a healthy way.