This lesson introduces two branches the sympathetic and parasympahetic of our autonomic nervous system, student leadership, a simple movement practice and a guided relaxation. It also includes a real life example of sympathetic nervous system activation and how it protects us.


Let’s Explore:  Our Inner Hero

 


Practice:  Student Leads Calming Chime or Breathing Sphere, Followed by Compliments

 


Follow Along:  Our Inner Hero


Learn More

Sorting Activities

Reflection & Drawing Activities (grades 3+)

Draw Strong Picture

Strong Voice Reflection Activity (grades 3+)


Lesson Plan Summary

Summary

This lesson introduces two branches of our autonomic nervous system, student leadership, a simple movement practice and a guided relaxation. It also includes a real life example of sympathetic nervous system activation and how it protects us.

Time

14-20 mins

Lesson Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system
  • Students will be able to explain the autonomic nervous system as something the body does without conscious thought and give at least one example
  • Students will be able to distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and give an example of each
  • Exploration of this system in the body through movement

Key Vocabulary

The Autonomic Nervous System: Controls the body’s organs, breathing, and other bodily functions that we don’t need to think about (heart beating, etc.)

Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates our body. Survival impulse (fight or flight)

Parasympathetic Nervous System: Tells our bodies to rest and digest

Materials

Directions

    1. Student(s) lead Calming Chime and/or Hoberman Sphere breathing exercise (2 mins)
    2. After #1, student leader chooses two to three classmates to give compliments (1 min)
    3. Play health science video Our Inner Hero: The Autonomic Nervous System (BS) (4 mins)
    4. Teacher leads Mountain Test activity with students (optional – 3 mins)
    5. Class practice with follow-along video Our Inner Hero (FAV) followed by Strong Voice Relaxation process (4 mins) 
    6. Class completes handouts & engages in discussion (optional –10 mins)
    7. Class play the Activate/Relax Walk game (watch how its taught) to explore the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the body (Optional – 10 mins)
    8. Lesson extension (all grades): Have students create their own movement sequences from poses in the Move Mindfully card deck (Optional – 10 mins)
    9. 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?