The first girl selects a topic from a list,... 2. A great way to ensure school staff are collecting vital information to both check-in on student well-being and identify those in need of additional support. I’ve had loads of fun teaching mindfulness to elementary-aged students, but when I first threw out the idea to some of my middle schoolers, they looked at me like I had three heads. Yet, life skills activities simultaneously point to the individual’s contribution while focusing on the group itself. Middle School The Promoting Positive Relationships lesson allows students to explore the quality of a relationship with another person and factors which can affect... Food Video clips on the internet Teach students how to read food labels with this escape room lesson plan. When introducing the concept of mindfulness, I begin by having my students create a problem list. Remind them that they should not talk during the activity because you’ll give them cues throughout. Play follow the leader. Whether through physical education, health education, or health and nutrition policy within a school, learn about ways to promote and maintain student wellness. Our life skills activities for middle school students will peak your daughter’s interest, helping her develop the confidence to succeed. So when they all were blowing balloons I asked few questions like: what is happening to balloon she you all are blowing an air into it? Adolescents already feel like they’re on a stage in front of their peers at all times, so we don’t start with a tricky yoga sequence or a 30-minute guided meditation because that’s a sure way to discourage participation! Read through your district’s Local School Wellness Policy. I am working with pre schooler and primary section (grade 1 to grade 5). Most experts point to specific practices that build character, such as perseverance, resilience, leadership, communication, and teamwork. We try laughing exercises, making of faces and guessing emotions, story telling method, and videos. Life Skills Activities for Middle School Students Lead to Personal Growth 1. Then, the girls switch roles. Students will practice reading food labels to help them make healthy eating choices to build physical health. Students pair up and sit across from each other. Do a 5-minute activity just to introduce students and show them they can actually do yoga. Each team must decide which actions to take in order to ensure the group’s survival. When they are given the opportunity to review actual research and see facts and figures from studies, adolescents are much more like to buy in to the process because they can see the why behind it. A quick Internet search reveals everything from coloring books to apps to YouTube channels geared toward connecting our minds and bodies. During challenging times, we can take steps to … -  Designed by Thrive Themes Is it just homework in general or one specific assignment? If your students are up for a challenge, introduce them to yoga (call it focused stretching if your school requires – the benefits are the same!). Very few middle schoolers have paying jobs, like babysitting or dog walking. What will happen if I leave the balloon without tying a knot? Privacy Policy. Spiritual Wellness Grab some cardstock, watercolors, brushes, and straws for a guided painting activity. The Proposal. For instance, Marlborough offers two innovative services to help middle school students adapt to change, including Peers are Listening (PALS) and the Mental Health Awareness Program (MAPS). If yoga isn’t something you’re totally comfortable with yourself, use videos from certified instructors or attend a training yourself! Head outside for some of these activities: Take your students on a nature walk. Settings may vary, but here are a few examples: Your team has wandered away from “homebase.” Now, you are lost. Nutrition Lesson Plans for Middle School- Digital Learning Task - Skills-Based Health Education. Students pair up and sit across from each other. Middle School Mindfulness Activities Buy-In. Then, I challenge students to think of or find one solution that could help tackle all of the problems on the list. Why are we doing this? Students do a bit of research using iPads. All Rights Reserved. At this point, I introduce the concept of mindfulness, but I don’t just tell students what it is and tell them that it will help. This exercise focuses on discernment, practical problem solving, empathy, leadership, courage, negotiation, and flexibility. I learned all about proper flow and sequence and some helpful strategies for dispelling the awkward cloud in the air. In that I observed that majority of children’s stomach used to go in while inhaling. As with the other mindfulness exercises, start small. But middle schoolers aren’t always the easiest to engage! Middle school is a time of change. As a result, young people are learning important “soft skills” at a later age, which means that they are less prepared when they enter the workplace. Easy Ways to Make Individual Student Connections, Successful Transition from Elementary to Middle School. © Marlborough School. Unsubscribe at any time. In recent literature, mindfulness-based school programs have demonstrated a range of social, cognitive, and emotional benefits for elementary and middle-school students. We know adolescents need mindfulness, but how do we get them engaged? The SATs scheduled for November 7 and December 5 at Marlborough have been canceled. If seated breathing and meditation isn’t doing it for your students, don’t be afraid to try active mindfulness exercises! Let us prepare your middle school daughter for college and career with our life skills activities. Marlborough students also learn the value of teamwork in athletics and fine arts. We are a private, college-preparatory secondary school, conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Keep reading to find out how I hooked my students’ interest and the middle school mindfulness activities that my students actually enjoyed. They write the finalized list on a poster board, each student signing it. Later I have tried bubbles activity and now I am planning to try straw painting with them. Wellness Wednesday NYC. What are their stressors? The purpose of this exercise is to create a safe space to explore ideas by focusing on common language and shared expectations. Middle School Hyperlinks to many food videos available on the internet:- NASA Living in Space, The Meatrix, GM food, HACCP etc. Have students stand in small groups and take turns throwing a ball around to each other and catching it. Marlborough serves girls in grades 7 through 12. Cognitive Benefits Executive function is a set of mental skills that constitutes attention, switching … Wellness Week is a weeklong school wellness program that consists of different themes each day. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Preteens may struggle with self-awareness, especially as their friend circles begin to shift. Team members then discuss these values, consolidating them into more precise categories. Students will use the brushes to drop paint on the paper and then will use the straws to blow the paint on the paper (hello, breathing exercise!). Mar 27, 2020 - Explore Rebecca Pulkinen's board "Wellness Classroom Ideas", followed by 214 people on Pinterest. Mindfulness with Middles: Teaching Teens to Practice Mindfulness. Kay Porr from Granville Intermediate School. You don’t have to spend a whole, 30-45 minute lesson doing one activity! This exercise boosts communication, listening, trust, and flexibility, all valuable skills in today’s marketplace. Here are four life skills activities that teachers may consider adapting to their middle school classroom. Brain Breaks. The purpose of this product is for students to continue to practice nutrition and wellness activities at home. The DOE started Wellness Wednesdays NYC to help students and families learn skills and habits that can promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. After I have some buy-in and have piqued their interest in this seemingly magical practice that can address a whole host of problems they have identified in their lives, we start small. As you can imagine, this list is often long! When we have some comfort with breathing exercises, I introduce short guided meditation activities. While students may default to solutions that save an individual or two, they need to think about the welfare of the entire group. Two new studies from Yale and Harvard Universities and MIT shed some light on the question, finding that mindfulness may reduce emotional reactivity in the brain as well as improving mental health and academic success for middle-school … Book Club. In which I asked them to imagine balloon as their stomach. Please log in again. Additionally, this activity prepares middle school students for the workplace by emphasizing similarities, rather than differences. Moreover, life skills activities for middle school students can help young people cope with setbacks as they learn to adapt to change. Use short, 5-minute or fewer activities to give them opportunities for success and to pique their interest. One student wears a blindfold and listens carefully as the partner navigates her through a simple obstacle course. Students identify problems like interpersonal conflict, feeling stressed by schoolwork, being overwhelmed by responsibilities and extracurricular activities, feeling like they don’t fit it, and the list goes on. Is it hard to work in a group? Both services provide struggling students with healthy stress management support. Below you will find free resources – lessons, activities, and printables – in the following skill areas: Communication, Cooperation, Emotion Regulation, Empathy, Impulse Control, and Social Initiation. Because of this transition, this is the perfect time to introduce “soft skills.” Indeed, life skills activities for middle school students not only help them transition to the next developmental stage, but also prepare young people for the workplace. This article will examine the top two benefits that life skills activities for middle schoolers provide: “Soft skills” refer to intangible, interpersonal skills that everyone needs in order to thrive in life. This activity is best for grades 6-8 and will help students learn how alcohol impairs vision and balance. Introduce your students to a wide variety of mindfulness exercises so they can find their perfect fit, whether it’s simple breathing, meditation, or more active practices. Marlborough admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. When Students Are Traumatized, Teachers Are Too Trauma in students’ lives takes an emotional and physical toll on teachers as well. As students gain comfort with short, simple exercises, we try longer activities and different types of mindfulness exercises. What are the things causing turmoil in their lives right now? This classic game never gets old, and you don’t need any equipment to play. As middle school students mature, they may question their place in the community. Whenever there is a dispute, the team should refer to the “contract,” which holds everyone accountable. | Powered by WordPress. Start with simple poses and talk them through the whole process – nothing creates awkwardness for adolescents quite like silence and a chair pose. This helped them realise correct way of breathing. Teach students how to be environmentally conscious with these Environmental Health unit plans. See more ideas about classroom, teaching, school counseling. Cue students to choose colors that represent the emotions they notice in their bodies now and to notice their sensations as they watch the paint move on the paper. You have no means of self-defense. It's never too early to help teenagers develop leadership and confidence. After a designated time, the listener restates what she heard her partner say as clearly and completely as possible. The Mirroring Exercise Some are premade lessons, some resources are videos, texts or other activities that can be used to put lessons together. The listener does not take notes. Keep reading to find out how I hooked my students’ interest and the middle school mindfulness activities that my students actually enjoyed. If you want your daughter to become a curious, agile thinker, consider Marlborough. In order to receive a reduced in-network deductible in the health plan, both wellness activities -- a biometric screening (at at a BPS Well-Care Center*) and a health assessment (at mycigna.com) -- must be completed by the noted deadlines. When you’re trying to pitch a school-wide activity to your administration, making sure … Please visit the College Board website for more information. The school cafeteria or another open space can serve as a healthy taste testing station. Once the blindfolded student reaches the finish line, the students switch; the blindfolded student becomes the guide. Throughout the course, students embark on fun wellness adventures through interactive games—from completing grocery shopping to creating a well-balanced cafeteria lunch—working through true-to-life scenarios to … Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Social Justice and Community Partnerships. I knew that buy-in would be a little tougher with this age group (but totally worth the effort). The first girl selects a topic from a list, then describes it in detail while her partner listens quietly. They’re less likely to give up if the newness is quick in the beginning. The goal of this exercise is to improve active listening, communication, patience, and respect. We won't send you spam. Your team finds itself stranded on a snake-infested island. Is it hard to complete a project that large? Life skills activities for middle school students focus on real-world applications. To introduce breathing exercises, I first model controlled breathing on my own in front of everyone. Mindfulness for Kids: Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students Aside from its origins within several ancient traditions, mindfulness is a red-hot modern wellness trend. As soon as they stop, get them to start throwing the ball around to each other again, noting that it's a lot harder after spinning around, which offers an example of how alcohol affects balance. Marlborough does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or religion in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Our goal is to ignite intellectual inquiry and to build the problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that our students will need to innovate, invent, and lead in college and beyond. … Applying Group Counseling Activities from Middle School to Life These resources are age-appropriate for elementary and middle school students and are typically used in a classroom or a small group setting. What it is: Students read the book Nudge on behavioral economics. Again, I keep these short to ease them in! Students can even put these creations in $1 frames to keep as a reminder to pause and notice. Hi keri! I'd like to receive the free email course. Examples of Social Wellness in the school setting: anti-bullying campaigns (via empathy-building and character education), teaching kids how to apologize in a meaningful manner, buddy program (pairing students from the upper grades and lower grades), social skills education through small group workshops . For instance, our girls can participate in fascinating group projects that explore technology, engineering, digital art, or journalism. If you’re looking to incorporate more mindfulness exercises into your middle school counseling toolbox, start slowly and small! Explore my counseling resources: Counselor Keri. The guide may not touch the blindfolded student; instead, the guide must tell her partner precisely where to go, how many steps to take, when to stop, when to turn, etc. Thanks for being aproachable and willingly sharing ideas. One thing is reliable, though: adolescents love to know why. As a result, students feel empowered to take calculated risks that benefit the team. Student Gardens Boxes and Composting – Farm to Table… and Outdoor Classroom; Rotary Track Meet and Bananarama 5K Run; Middle School Sports League – Boys and Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Flag Football, Co-ed Soccer, Boys and Girls Basketball, Cross Country (including 5th grade as an intramural opportunity) Jog-a-thon; Wellness Wednesday Messages each week; Monte Vista Middle School For middle school counseling, providing lessons to students that are interactive or offer variety in tasks can be helpful in engaging students. The login page will open in a new tab. The two devised five momentum-building activities within the course to keep students excited from start to finish. Eating Healthy - It's All About the Math! To get an idea of how you’d enjoy an online course in health and wellness management, read Kristin’s recap of each activity. These active mindfulness activities were really the sweet spot for my middle schoolers when they started to say they really enjoyed our mindful time! I show them studies about how mindfulness improves memory and attention, lowers stress levels, increases happiness, and promotes social connections and altruism. Much of mindfulness hinges on slowing and controlling breathing to truly tune in to the body. Read our Privacy Policy. There was an error submitting your subscription. For pre schooler my main goal is to make them aware about their emotions. Both lead to personal growth. Give your students a ‘brain break’ or a chance to sit quietly for a few minutes, close … Listen to student voice and ‘allow them’ to explore and change the education system. I show them the research. Most students stay busy outside of school with athletic competitions, performances, or other extracurricular activities. This BINGO card has nutrition and wellness tasks that include nutrition, physical activities, and mental health activities. How do we get buy-in? I recently completed a certification with YogaEd that was fantastic. In a group setting, students answer a series of questions concerning their ability to survive in an imaginary wilderness. Location: Ratio and Proportion Objective: Students will apply knowledge of ratio and proportions to … Each student takes an index card and lists three values which she believes will promote a sense of community. It’s really great talking with you. This exercise allows middle schoolers to establish values-based ground rules for a team. You have no way to signal the others. When they can see studies that have been done with people their own ages who have benefitted from the practice, adolescents are more likely to be willing to give it a try themselves. Eating Well Then I give them the studies to review and then give them space to research it on their own for a few minutes. This BINGO card is meant for the student to complete at home with Students like to try again. EVERFI’s Healthier Me is an innovative, games-based middle school health curriculum that gives students the tools to make healthy, informed decisions when it comes to health and nutrition. Then, stop and have all students spin around in circles a few times. What’s great about Wellness Week It’s a hit with the students Quickly find that inspire student learning. Many of my students end up taping these printables inside their notebooks to use throughout the day. Below is a list of resources that can be used in providing middle school lessons. Leverage your school health team to advocate for quality physical education that meets 150 minutes weekly for elementary school children and 225 minutes weekly for middle and high school students. We also repeat activities. Want to know more about the Marlborough experience? We start with simple, 2-3 minute seated breathing exercises using tracing printables so that students can focus their attention on just what they’re doing and not worry about meeting eyes with others during the process. Your team is marooned on a beach, with little drinkable water. Then, select a few students to write sentences on th… Give them space to explore how mindfulness can actually benefit them. I also give students printables to trace while they practice controlling their breathing using figure 8 breathing, rainbow breathing, and star breathing to get the hang of it. Fill us in below in the comments section! Please try again. Let students sink their hands into the soil and help them notice the sensations they experience during the activity. Give them pinwheels or bubbles (middle schoolers go wild for these things too) to practice deep inhales and slow exhales. They often study in groups, striving for excellence as they build lasting relationships. Copyright text 2018 by Confident Counselors. When we have the technology available, I also let students practice using iPads and headphones with the Calm app. Mindfulness with middle schoolers: a piece of cake or labor of love? As a noted author and entrepreneur, Daniel Patrick Forrester firmly believes that reflective thinking unlocks creativity and innovation, leading to significant personal growth and professional excellence. This takes off some of the social focus so they’re less worried about if others are looking at them. Advisory/SEL: Remote Advisory Activity: Spirit Week: Help students stay connected to their classmates and their school culture by … Guide them through noticing things they see, what they smell, things they hear, and their own sensations and emotions as you walk. Mindfulness can easily be used as a warm up or wrap up to any classroom guidance or small group activity. If you have a school garden or have the space to create even a small plot, do a gardening exercise. After they practice this way, I do read some guided meditation activities to help them notice their bodies, recognize feelings about certain events, or pinpoint sensations and emotions tied to certain experiences or memories. So I tried balloon activity. We go on like this for a while. School-based activities are simple and impactful initiatives that promote mental health and wellness, raise awareness about the stigma associated with mental health, and engage the students and staff in the school community. Once your students have the hang of this practice (it does take practice), they’ll be able to do this for longer periods of time without the cues. There are some great free activities students can do on their own without feeling like they’re on a stage. Unsubscribe anytime. Weekly emails with the latest posts and resources from Confident Counselors. Yoga can sound scary and intimidating to adolescents, especially if they have preconceived notions of what yoga is or what it requires. But I even liked the idea of pinwheel activity which you have discussed above. No spam, ever. Subscribe to our weekly email for the latest posts and resources from Confident Counselors. I ask them to be as specific as possible. I knew that buy-in would be a little tougher with this age group (but totally worth the effort). Learn how life skills activities for middle school students give girls an advantage! Why does this matter? I would like to try that as well. Provide a mix of activities such as information booths, health screenings, hands-on activities and games, taste tests and physical activity demonstrations. The classroom is an excellent setting for these lessons because teachers can direct learning in a controlled, safe environment. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS They can also tune into smells and sounds while working in the garden. This skills-based fitness teaching unit comes with nine lesson plans designed to teach students about taking care of the planet, how our environment impacts well-being, and how to advocate for Environmental Health at school. Elementary students jump at the chance to breathe like a butterfly or do a silly animal-themed yoga activity. 250 South Rossmore AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90004 | 323.935.1147. I like to first start with recorded meditations so students can use headphones to listen. * Biometric screenings are free at BPS Well-Care Centers and no form is required. Give students … I am a mental health counselor turned school counselor and curriculum writer hoping to reach every single student and spark social, emotional, and academic growth! Uptill now I have tried breathing exercise. Open the "breath activities" activity on your computer or print a copy: “breathing activity” sheets. She must pay close attention without allowing her mind to wander. Find personal health and wellness lesson plans and teaching resources. Important Notice. Yoga For The Classroom - Yoga With Adriene: (10:47) Classroom Meditation: (8:17) Positive Energy Meditation (2:01) The Five Minute Miracle Meditations (5:33) Yoga at Your Desk (6:23) Activity 3: Breathe Boards. What about that assignment is troubling? I have recently started with mindfulness activity with primary section. Students work with partners in this exercise. They like to get better, practice, and feel like they’ve grown or accomplished something. Likewise, Marlborough understands the value of life skills activities, especially since they combine targeted collaboration with reflective critical thinking. What are your favorite middle school mindfulness activities? If sitting in the classroom doing this is uncomfortable for your students, take them outside to practice! Students are encouraged to eat vegetables, move their bodies more, and have fun. Healthier students are better learners. How do you get buy-in with your students when it comes to mindfulness? Tuning in doesn’t have to be accomplished in a seat. We spend a lesson or session doing this task and the students report their findings which often range from silly things like quitting school to thoughtful responses like seeking therapy. Today’s employers expect their new hires to have the following skills already: Marlborough integrates these life skills activities in our middle school students’ course of study. Middle schoolers may not be thinking about careers yet, but they need to start developing skills that translate to the workplace. A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success.