Guided Meditation
Short guided meditation for the end of class: students sit or lie down while the teacher guides their attention to breathing and body sensations.
How to play
- Students sit or lie down with space around them; dim the lights if possible.
- Guide three slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Lead a short body scan from feet to head, inviting students to relax each part.
- Finish by wiggling fingers and toes and sitting up slowly.
Rules
- Silence during the meditation.
- Nobody has to close their eyes.
Variations
Easier
2–3 minutes with lots of guidance.
Standard
5–6 minutes.
Harder
Add a short silent period at the end.
Adaptations
- Anxiety: eyes open, looking at a spot.
- Restless groups: shorter time that grows each session.
Learning goals
- Learn to calm down after exercise.
- Improve focus and body awareness.
PatioLab has "Guided Meditation" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More cool-downs for Elementary
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8 to calm the group.
5-Senses Mindfulness
5-senses mindfulness: students notice 5 things they see, 4 they hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they smell and 1 they taste.
Back Drawing with Partner
In pairs, one student uses a finger to draw a shape, letter or number on a partner's back, and the partner has to guess it.
Balloon Belly Breathing
Balloon belly breathing: students imagine a balloon in their belly that fills when they breathe in and empties when they breathe out.
Balloon Stretching
Balloon stretching: a cool-down with balloons — gentle stretches while keeping the balloon in the air or holding it with different body parts.
Body Journal
Body journal: students note how their body feels after class (energy, tiredness, mood).