Let’s Explore: The Wonders of Rest
Practice: Student Leads Calming Chime or Breathing Sphere, Followed by Compliments
Follow Along: The Wonders of Rest
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Writing Activity – Guided Relaxation (grades 3+)
Writing Activity – Sympathetic Nervous System Inner Hero (grades 3+)
Writing Activity – Parasympathetic Nervous System Inner Hero (grades 3+)
Lesson Plan Summary
Summary
In this lesson students learn from Junebug how our parasympathetic nervous system helps us to rest, digest and relax. Students then practice a calming movement routine, followed by a mindful moment relaxation on the theme of Stillness.
Time
12-22 mins
Lesson Objectives
- Students will be able to identify some of the physiological responses associated with both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
- Students will develop an awareness of their own relaxation responses through movement and imagery
- Students will be able to explain the importance of the rest and digest system
- Students will distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Key Vocabulary
Sympathetic Response: Heart beats fast, lungs take in more oxygen, blood pumps to extremities, pupils dilate to take in more light
Parasympathetic Response: Slow down, relax, slower heartbeat, breathing deeply slowly, muscles relax, pupils contract, the digestive system will start working again
Materials
- Video projection system with internet access and speakers
- Videos:
- Calming Chime & Hoberman Breathing sphere
- The Wonders of Rest (BS) brain science video on human nervous system
- The Wonders of Rest (FAV). A follow-along classroom movement/physical activity video followed by a guided relaxation process
- Discussion questions
- Handouts
- Writing Exercise – Guided Relaxation (grades 3+)
- Sympathetic Nervous System Inner Hero (grades 3+)
- Parasympathetic Nervous System Inner Hero (grades 3+)
- Handout on human nervous system, including diagrams of elements in brain science video, coloring sheets, vocabulary [coming soon]
- Questions and prompts for further exploration
Directions
- Student(s) lead Calming Bell and/orHoberman sphere breathing exercise (2 mins)
- Play health science video The Wonders of Rest (BS) (6 mins)
- Class practice with follow-along video The Wonders of Rest (BS) (4 mins)
- Class completes handout & engages in discussion (optional – 10 mins)
- Lesson extension (all grades): Have students create their own movement sequences from poses in the Move Mindfully Card deck (optional – 10 mins)
- Lesson extension (all grades): Have students create their own relaxation journey similar to those in the Mindful Moments card deck (optional – 10 mins)
Skills Developed & Other Benefits
- Continued development and improvement of skills:
- Mindful listening
- Sensory/self-awareness
- Patience
- Leadership skills
- Nervous system regulation
- Self-control
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork skills
Reflections & Feedback for this Module?