Teacher's Script: Mindful Moment - Breathing Buddies

(As students are getting settled with their Breathing Buddies, ensure quiet in the room.)

"Alright everyone, let's find our comfy spots. You can lie down on your back on the carpet if there's space, or you can simply rest your head on your desk, making sure you're comfortable."

"Once you're settled, gently place your 'Breathing Buddy' on your tummy. If you don't have a buddy, that's perfectly fine; just place your hands on your tummy instead."

"Now, if you feel comfortable, you can gently close your eyes, or you can just soften your gaze by looking at a spot on the floor. The goal is to feel safe and relaxed."

"Let's take a moment to just notice our bodies. Feel where your body is touching the floor or your chair. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and then let them be still."

"Now, bring your attention to your Breathing Buddy on your tummy. Or, if you're using your hands, focus on your hands."

"Take a slow, gentle breath in through your nose... and feel your tummy gently rise, lifting your Breathing Buddy up towards the ceiling. See if you can feel that gentle lift."

"And now, slowly, gently breathe out through your mouth, like you're blowing out a candle... and feel your tummy gently fall, and your Breathing Buddy comes back down."

"Let's do that again. Breathe in softly through your nose... noticing your tummy rise..."

"And breathe out slowly through your mouth... feeling your tummy fall."

"Continue to breathe like this at your own pace. Just notice. Don't try to change your breath, just observe it."

"If your mind starts to wander, that's okay. Our minds are like playful puppies, they love to run around. Just gently, without judgment, bring your attention back to your Breathing Buddy rising and falling."

"Feel the coolness as you breathe in, and the warmth as you breathe out."

"Each breath is a new chance to be right here, right now."

(After about 2-3 minutes of guided breathing)

"Now, slowly bring your attention back to the sounds in the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you're ready, you can gently open your eyes and sit up. Take your time."

"How was that for everyone? What did you notice about your breathing? Did your breathing buddy move a lot or a little?"

Mindfulness Reflection Journal

Name: _________________________ Date: ______________

1. What is one new thing you learned about mindfulness today?

2. How did it feel to focus on your breath during the "Breathing Buddies" activity? What did you notice?

3. When do you think you could use a mindful breathing moment in your daily life (at school, at home, during sports, etc.)? Give an example.

4. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not calm at all" and 5 being "very calm," how calm did you feel after our mindful breathing practice?

   1 2 3 4 5
   
   

5. Draw a picture or write a few words to describe what a "calm and clear" mind looks like or feels like to you.

Breathing Buddies Activity

Objective:

Students will practice mindful breathing using a 'Breathing Buddy' to enhance awareness of their breath and promote a sense of calm.

Materials:

• Small, soft objects (one per student) to serve as 'Breathing Buddies' (e.g., small stuffed animals, beanbags, erasers, smooth rocks).
• Carpeted area or space for students to lie down comfortably, or clear desk space.

Instructions:

1. Introduce the Breathing Buddies: Explain to students that these small objects will be their