Summary: This lesson is broken into eight short sections. The first section is a reflection, where students evaluate how mindful they think they are. The second section focuses on understanding what mindfulness is through definitions and a song. The third section is on the benefits of mindfulness, drawing on research and videos. The fourth is a short mindfulness activity. Then in the fifth section the focus switches to breathing with a section on what we mean by breathing, why it matters, and some chances to try out different breathing techniques. The final section is the extension activity where students can choose from one of five different mindfulness activities.

Teaching notes: The biggest challenge is getting students to try mindfulness the first time. As long as you can get them to be quiet and non-disruptive the first time, you have won. More students than you expect will say they feel more calm or relaxed after the breathing and mindfulness trial times. We have also built breathing techniques and mindfulness into the opening of most lessons to reinforce these skills. 

Approximate length: 60-80 minutes

About the curriculum: School success relies on key skills that students are rarely taught. The goal of this curriculum is to level the playing field and to directly teach the executive functioning, self-regulation, and life skills that all students need to succeed in school. Through 20 lessons across four units, this year long curriculum will help students build a foundation for success in school and life– and leave them with an individualized success workbook at the end of the program.