Morning Meeting: Mental and Physcial Self-care
The purpose of this lesson activity was for students to have the opportunity to practice two methods of self-care for their mental and physical well-being. The two methods included saying a positive affirmation about oneself aloud and performing a stretch. This lesson was created with intention and consideration to the stages of bodily change that these middle schoolers are going through. This stage of adolescent development can evoke feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and insecure. That is why it can be so important for students to learn about different ways they can show themselves love and care and the value behind these practices.
For the lesson, I began by introducing what affirmations are and the purpose behind them. I emphasized that affirmations are apart of self-care which is what we will practice together. In addition, I touched on how we can care for ourselves physically as well, not just by cleaning our bodies and eating, but also by moving our bodies and stretching.
For the activity, I had students form a circle and each person would share their positive affirmation about oneself and then do a stretch. After the person said their affirmation and performed a stretch, the rest of the class recited the affirmation to themselves and performed the same stretch.
After I planned on reflecting with the students how they can apply this into their everyday lives and why this activity is important.