What We Can Do to Stress Less
Lesson Introduction & Overview This short lesson is aimed at getting youth to think about their responses to stressful or challenging situations, and to respond positively rather than by adding to the difficulty. Activity 1. Show the What Pizza Wears Gloves video and The Two Arrows Explainer video. 2. Talk briefly about what they noticed… Read more
Stress! No Body Needs It
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the causes and effects of stress and learn some techniques for dealing with it. The youth will identify physical symptoms of stress and list some situations that may bring them on. They will learn some skills for managing stress and make their very own stress ball. Introduction… Read more
Stress Busters
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the symptoms of stress and learn some techniques for dealing with it. The youth will practice relaxation techniques that focus on calming the body in order to relax the mind. Introduction Explain to the youth that stress can have a powerful impact on your body. Here are… Read more
Stress-less Test
Description Before taking a test, send youth on a short walk through the hallways of the school. Ask them to take deep breaths as they walk (and remember, no talking!). After 5 minutes, return to the classroom to take the test.
Stretch for Your Best!
Lesson Overview This lesson helps children understand that stretching their muscles is a part of a healthy lifestyle at all ages. This activity will teach several easy stretches for kids to do together. Introduction Provide kids with information on the positive benefits and importance of stretching: Stretching is important at any age Stretching: helps move… Read more
Addressing Mental Health Stigma
Lesson Introduction & Overview This short lesson is aimed at encouraging youth to think positively about meditation and other relaxation activities, and help reduce the stigma around mental health self-care. Activity Let young people know that they will be trying a short meditation today. Meditation is a strategy for reducing stress and promoting mental wellness.… Read more
Know What Matters to You
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how finding balance between their values and what they do can help them feel healthier and happier. The youth will complete a Values Circle Chart and compare the most important things to them with how they spend their time. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may… Read more
It’s Mealtime! Relax and Enjoy
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how to eat slowly and mindfully. The youth will practice by paying close attention to smells, texture and taste while eating a healthful snack. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about mindful eating. These facts can be shared with young people during… Read more
It’s All in the Breathing
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the link between their breathing and how they feel. The youth will practice focused breathing techniques to help their bodies and minds relax. Optional activities allow young people to further explore mindful breathing. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following notes… Read more
Healthy Heart
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand how their hearts work and why it is important to keep them healthy. The youth may participate in any of the five activities that teach how the heart delivers oxygen-rich blood to every part of the body. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to… Read more
Guided Imagery
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the negative effects of tension and stress, and how you can use your imagination to help you relax. The youth will draw pictures of their minds under stress. Then the instructor will lead young people in a guided imagery exercise. Introduction What is guided imagery? How can… Read more
Guided Imagery for Younger Children
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the negative effects of tension and stress, and how guided imagery can help you relax. The facilitator will lead young people in a guided imagery exercise. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about guided imagery. This can be shared with… Read more
Gratitude: Overlooked Blessings
Lesson Introduction & Overview This short lesson is aimed at helping young people develop an attitude of gratitude. Research shows that gratitude helps people be happier and deal with stress better. Activity Talk with the youth about how being grateful for the things in their lives can help increase their happiness and decrease stress. Ask… Read more
Get Out and Enjoy Nature
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand the benefits of outside play for their bodies and minds. The youth will participate in three hands-on activities that show some of the many ways they can enjoy being outdoors. Instructor Notes Before facilitating this lesson, you may want to review the following information about the benefits… Read more
Brain Boost
Lesson Overview This lesson helps young people understand what they need to do to protect and help grow their brains. They will learn about activities and habits that help their brains develop and function at their best. Introduction The brain is a very important organ. Without it, nothing else in a body can function. Scientists… Read more
Exercise and Your Brain
Lesson Introduction & Overview Recent research has found that exercise, particularly aerobic activity that involves an element of coordination, has benefits for young people that go far beyond fitness. Aerobic activity is any physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing. It helps improve your heart and lung fitness. Some examples include brisk walking,… Read more
Keeping Clean When You’re A Preteen
Lesson Overview Most kids know by age 8 or 9 that changes will start happening to their bodies as they get closer to being teenagers and then young adults. What a lot don’t know, however, is that there are also some changes they’ll need to make in how they care for themselves. Parents, teachers, and… Read more
Health Standards
Health Education Standards Physical Education Standards
Wellness Resources for Parents
It’s not always easy to get kids to do the things that will keep them healthy. Like eating more of the good stuff and less of the not so good. Like going for a bike ride with a friend instead of watching TV. Like working out a stressful situation by writing down their thoughts instead… Read more
About
Health Powered Kids™ includes: School and community-based lessons and activities on nutrition, physical fitness, hygiene and mind-body balance Activities for families to do at home and in their community Mind-body activities for stress-reduction and relaxation Health and wellness information available through the internet and printed materials. Lessons Health Powered Kids™ Lessons & Activities is… Read more
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