Megan MacDougall

This lesson focuses on teaching students mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness and calmness. The activities are designed to help students develop a routine that promotes emotional regulation and reduces stress. Audience: Grades 4-6; 1 session, 45 minutes.

In this individualized Tier 3 project, an 8th grade student will become a ‘Nutrition Detective.’ Over a 60-minute session, the student investigates food labels, compares nutritional choices, and presents healthier meal options. This lesson builds critical health literacy and decision-making skills needed for lifelong wellness.

Introduce 4th graders to the ‘Time In’ strategy—a positive, self-regulation tool that encourages reflection and community. This Tier 1, 30-minute lesson fosters a supportive classroom culture by teaching students how and when to use Time In to manage emotions and behavior.

Students embark on a detective-style journey to investigate responsible decision-making by gathering clues about choices and consequences to solve real-world puzzles. This 45-minute, one-session lesson for 5th graders builds critical CASEL social-emotional skills through engaging activities and reflection.

A targeted small-group unit to boost 6th graders’ self-awareness by training them to notice emotional signals in themselves and others, using clue gathering and contextual detective work. This Tier 2 series spans one 50-minute session for a small group, offering structured practice for stronger emotional intelligence.

Small-group discussions and exercises that build students’ ability to understand and share feelings, strengthening peer relationships. This Tier 2 lesson for a 5th grade group spans one 35-minute session focusing on school climate and peer empathy.

A small-group workshop for 8th graders to learn and practice coping strategies for stress through hands-on projects and peer sharing. This Tier 2 session empowers students with tools to manage stress in real time, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Students will embark on an interactive, whole-class exploration of emotions and self-awareness, engaging in fun activities and discussions to build emotional intelligence. This Tier 1 lesson is perfect for a 45-minute 5th grade Health & Wellness session.