Self Awareness Grade 6 – Lesson 1
Objectives:
- Students will define the concept of a personal mantra as a short, positive phrase used to focus thoughts and emotions during challenging times and identify the potential benefits of using a personal mantra.
- Students will generate their own personal mantra that reflects their values, goals, or challenges, following guidelines such as brevity and positivity.
- Students will analyze and describe how repeating their chosen mantras during the “Mantra Circle” activity can affect their energy levels and mindset.
- Students will reflect on the potential for their mantras to evolve over time as they face new situations and grow personally.
- Students will identify instances in their own lives where they could apply their chosen mantra to overcome obstacles, make positive decisions, or maintain a positive attitude.
In this lesson, we delve into the concept of personal mantras, words or phrases that can uplift and motivate us during challenging times. We will engage in an interactive activity called the “Mantra Circle” to share our mantras and reflect on their significance.
Introduction:
Think about a time when a simple phrase or saying could have positively impacted your feelings during a tough situation. We all have these special words, known as mantras, that can help us find our balance when we’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
Can you recall an instance where a mantra could have made a positive difference for you?
Activity 1: Mantra Circle
Materials needed: A soft ball or any safe object for tossing.
Understanding Mantras:
A mantra is a short phrase that we repeat to focus our thoughts and feelings. For instance:
- I am capable.
- I am strong.
- Keep going.
- Stay calm.
- Believe in yourself.
Think about someone you look up to, like a celebrity or athlete. Do you think they might have a personal mantra that helps them succeed?
Creating Your Own Mantra:
Now it’s your turn! Create your own mantra that reflects your values, goals, or challenges. Remember these tips:
- Keep it brief.
- Make it positive.
- Focus on what you will do, not what you won’t.
- Consider what you truly need in various situations.
Consider focusing on what you can do instead of what you shouldn’t do. For instance, think “Give your best effort” rather than “Avoid being lazy.”
Let’s Play:
- Gather in a circle.
- Make eye contact with the person you’ll pass the ball to.
- As you toss the ball, share your mantra aloud.
- After stating your mantra, take a seat.
To begin, I’ll toss the ball and share my mantra, then sit down.
Encourage each other, and ensure everyone gets a chance to share their mantra clearly.
Wrap-up:
After completing the activity, let’s reflect:
- How did repeating your mantra affect your energy level?
- When do you think it’s useful to use your mantra?
- What was it like hearing the mantras of your peers?
Additional Reflection:
Think about your school year:
- How can your mantra support you throughout the year?
- Can you have multiple mantras for different situations?
- Is it okay for your mantra to change as you grow and face new challenges?
Suggested Additional Activity: “Mantra Art”
Have students create visual representations of their mantras through art. Provide art supplies such as paper, markers, crayons, and colored pencils. Encourage them to design a piece of artwork that incorporates their chosen mantra, using colors and shapes that reflect its meaning to them. After completing their artwork, students can share their pieces with the class and explain how their chosen mantra inspired their creative expression. This activity adds a creative dimension to the understanding of personal mantras and encourages deeper introspection.