Lesson 6 - Being Mindful

• What mindfulness is.
• The benefits of mindfulness.
• Techniques to mindful thinking.

Relaxation, mindfulness, think, feel, present, moments, healthy mind, breathing, calm, recharge, positivity and techniques.

• Supports pupils understanding of how to be mindful.
• Supports pupils learning of simple self-care techniques.
• Supports pupils understanding of how leading a healthy lifestyle can mentally support them.

• Lesson PPT, paper, pen and colours.

• Introduce the session with the lesson objectives.
• Explain what mindfulness is and why it is important using slides 3 and 4.
• Watch the video about what mindfulness is.

• Class activity: Ask pupils to close their eyes and think of 3 things they can hear and feel and what they are thinking about right now. Remind pupils that mindfulness is about being in the present moment.
• Mindful walking activity: Complete the mindful walking exercise on slide 7 and use a practical space. Ask pupils the reflection questions and initiate a whole class discussion.
• Explain how important it is to recharge our batteries every week.
• Calm corner activity: Set up a class calm corner with an affirmation board and ask pupils to write down an affirmation each and to stick it on the affirmation board. Pupils can use the calm corner to sit calm, reflect and feel grateful for what they have.
• Belly breathing activity: Ask pupils to put both their hands on their belly.
• They can close their eyes, take three slow deep breaths in and out to see if they can feel their hands being moved.
• Breathing hands activity: Complete the activity as a class using slide 11.

• Video activity: Guide the class through the take 5 breathing practice on slide 12.
• Me in the middle group activity: Pupils can sit in a small circle with one pupil in the middle. Any pupil from the circle can put their hand up to say something they like about the person in the middle and a positive experience they are thankful for with this person. Pupils can take it in turns.
• Reflection time: Explain the top tips to being mindful and ask pupils what they have learnt today and how they will be more mindful.