Mindful Journaling Club

This on going club requires first joining the Mindful Journaling 2 week camp. The camp is designed  to help children feel safe and confident to share and participate. In the Mindful journaling camp the children are introduced to the mindfulness such as, conscious breathing, connecting with their feelings - using a 4 step process, and observing the present moment in fun, creative interactive ways.  they will use in the club. The children will practice using mindfulness tools in fun, creative interactive ways. 

This club is designed using the foundation of mindfulness - to teach the students the importance of (holding space) making the action of connecting with their thoughts and feelings, through observation, so they can practice self-discovery for the purpose of learning to self-regulate and express themselves effectively - an everyday practice. Students will be given journaling prompts and other creative art activities to explore together and while on their own after the session is ended. 

Class Structure:

At the beginning of each class students are asked to do a check in - using the 4 step process they are taught in the Mindful Journaling Camp Sessions. 

The remainder of the class may be guided by what the students share about how they are feeling. For example, if a student tells me he or she is tired and this is how they feel all the time, the lesson may take the direction of discussing their nutrition and water intake, as I am a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach as Well. 

Following the check in children are taken through a guided breathing exercise such as , square breathing. 

Students will then be given a journal prompt  and art activity to explore on their own and together as a group. 

The club will end with a guided visualization and meditation with the focus on guided breathing going through a nature scene exploring colors and sounds to engage all senses. 

How will I teach:

My teaching style is flexible. I have an agenda at the top of the class which includes a specific breathing exercise, journal prompt, artistic expression and visualization; however, if I notice the energy of the group is collectively going in another direction I will change my lesson plan to best serve the needs to the class at that time when appropriate.

Students Interactions:

After the breathing exercise and the check in, students will then be given a journal prompt and 10 minutes to write about what comes to their mind about the journal prompt, or they can explore the one word they mentioned during the check in portion of the class. 
•	Share: After students’ journal, they will be given the opportunity to share what they wrote if they choose. 
•	Peer Connection: Other students in the class will also be encouraged to ask their peers follow-up questions about what was             shared as a way to encourage active listening and solidarity.