Lesson plan
Tools to STOP
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to practice the STOP mindfulness method and write raps and poems on mindfulness using the STOP acronym.
Introduction
(10 minutes)- Join students together in a circle, either seated or standing.
- Pass out whiteboards and whiteboard markers.
- Explain to students that you will play a song and they will write down words that stand out for them, or draw pictures that represent what they hear.
- Play the song and video "I'm Inspired" by JusTme.
- Ask students to share what they wrote or drew on their whiteboards.
- Ask, "How can we make mindfulness (focusing on the present moment with kindness and curiosity) a lifestyle?"
Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling
(15 minutes)- Explain that having tools to remind us to live more fully in the present moment can be helpful.
- Ask, "What are some tools that you may already use to remind you to bring mindfulness to the present moment?"
- Project the STOP image on the board.
- Ask for student volunteers to read through each letter in the acronym.
- Practice STOP together.
- Explain that they can use STOP a few times a day to help them to stay focused and find calm in the present moment.
- Explain that you will ring a chime and the class will practice the STOP tool at least once every day.
Guided Practice
(5 minutes)- Review the STOP Rap worksheet with the class.
- Play the video "Background Beat / Rap Beat Instrumental" that they may use for their rap.
- Break students into groups of 3–4 students.
- Explain that they will be performing their rap/song for the class at the end.
- Dismiss students to work together in groups in different areas of classroom to work on their song or rap.
Independent working time
(20 minutes)- Dismiss students back to their seats to work in groups.
- Ring the chime half way through their work period.
- Project the STOP image.
- Guide students through the STOP method.
Differentiation
Enrichment: Ask advanced students to write their own acronym to remind them to bring mindfulness to the present moment.
Support: Work one-on-one or in small groups with some students during group work time that need extra support.
Assessment
(5 minutes)- Walk around the room and check student comprehension during group work.
- Collect STOP Rap worksheets with raps to check comprehension.
Review and closing
(5 minutes)- Bring students back together in a circle.
- Ask students to perform their rap or poem.
- Play background music (optional).
- Ask students to facilitate P-Q-S (or offer praise, ask questions, and make suggestions) after each presentation.
- Remind them that they will practice STOP once a day and that you will ask for student volunteers to guide the class in the STOP method.
- Encourage them and congratulate them on a job well done!
Related learning resources
Tools to STOP
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Tools to STOP
Students will hear about the benefits of mindfulness from JusTme's rap song, "I'm Inspired", practice mindfulness and the STOP tool, and then write raps of their own, encouraging others to practice mindfulness
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Teaching Others to STOP
Worksheet
Teaching Others to STOP
Use the Teaching Others to STOP worksheet to introduce students to the STOP mindfulness method, then have them creatively teach STOP to someone else.
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Worksheet
STOP Rap
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STOP Rap
Use this STOP Rap worksheet to introduce students to the STOP method of mindfulness, then to have them create a rap or poem about the method's benefits.
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Worksheet
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Tools for Resilience
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Lesson plan
