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I Need a Break: 20 Minutes to Focus

"I Need a Break: 20 Minutes to Focus" offers high school students guided meditation sessions to reduce stress and improve focus. This quick class provides a mental reset, helping teens navigate through challenges.

Erika James, M.Ed

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(41)

What's included

2 live meetings

40 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

With 91% of Gen Zers reporting experiencing physical or emotional symptoms due to stress, it’s more important than ever to provide teens with a space to destress. “I Need a Break: 20 Minutes to Focus” brings students 2x a week to a brief yet powerful safe haven through guided meditation, helping them to reset, recharge, and refocus.

Mindfulness and meditation aren’t just buzzwords—they are proven tools that can enhance focus, improve emotional regulation, and reduce stress. Research shows that even short bursts of meditation can significantly boost concentration, support emotional well-being, and help manage time more effectively. By incorporating these practices, students can approach challenges with a clearer, more focused mind.

What Will Be Taught?
In this class, students will explore:

Breath Awareness: Techniques to center the mind and anchor attention through focused breathing.
Body Scan Meditation: Practices that promote relaxation and body awareness, helping to release physical and mental tension.
Visualization Techniques: Tools to create a mental space of calm and focus, fostering a positive mindset.
Focused Attention: Exercises designed to improve concentration and present-moment awareness.
Class Structure:
Each 20-minute session is carefully structured to deliver maximum benefit in a short time:

Settling In (2 minutes): We begin each session with a quiet moment to transition into the meditation.
Guided Meditation (15 minutes): The core of the class, where students are led through mindfulness practices designed to reduce stress and enhance focus.
Reflection and Integration (3 minutes): The session concludes with a brief reflection to help students carry the benefits of the practice into their daily lives.

Weekly Themes:
Each week, we’ll explore a theme designed to set a positive frame for the day. These themes are about cultivating a mindset that promotes positivity, resilience, and well-being.

Weekly Breakdown:
Week of Sep 2nd: Grace
Week of Sep 9th: Commitment
Week of Sep 16th: Second Chances
Week of Sep 23rd: Gratitude
Week of Sep 30th: Resilience
Week of Oct 7th: Patience
Week of Oct 14th: Compassion

Learning Goals

Students will learn positive thinking skills to frame their day.

Students will learn practical mindfulness techniques, including breath awareness and body scan meditation, to help manage stress and improve focus

Other Details

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Erika James, M.Ed

Joined July, 2020

5.0

41reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Mississippi Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education

Master's Degree in Education from Belhaven University

As a certified social emotional learning (SEL) trainer and yoga teacher with over ten years of experience, I have successfully guided both children and high school students in developing emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and stress management skills. I have extensive experience teaching high school learners through various SEL programs and yoga workshops specifically designed for adolescents. I also hold a Master’s degree in Education. My expertise ensures that each session is engaging, supportive, and tailored to the developmental needs of high school students.