Mindful Stroll: Discovering Appreciation Through Detailed Attention
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways can mindfulness change one's perception of one's environment? how can we overcome barriers to appreciating everyday life?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does focusing on details change your perception of an experience?
- In what ways can technology, like headphones, both enhance and detract from mindfulness?
- How can mindfulness practices contribute to overall well-being and appreciation of life?
- What are the barriers to practicing mindfulness in everyday life, and how can we overcome them?
- How can being mindful change your appreciation of your environment?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the principles and practices of mindfulness.
- Apply mindfulness techniques to enhance sensory awareness during a nature walk.
- Analyze the impact of technology (headphones) on mindfulness practices.
- Evaluate the effects of mindful attention on the appreciation of life and overall well-being.
- Identify personal barriers to mindfulness and develop strategies to overcome them.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe St. Malo Time Capsule
The teacher orchestrates a 'St. Malo Time Capsule' activity. Students capture the essence of St. Malo in the present moment through photographs, written observations, and sensory recordings, with the goal of creating a capsule that future generations can use to understand the town's unique character and how mindfulness can help us connect with a place in time.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Sensory Superpowers: Activating Awareness
Students will practice focusing on individual senses to enhance their awareness. This involves guided exercises focusing on sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, preparing them for mindful observation during the St. Malo walk.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA sensory awareness journal entry for each sense, detailing observations and experiences from dedicated practice exercises.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the learning goal of applying mindfulness techniques to enhance sensory awareness during a nature walk, focusing on specific sensory details to sharpen observation skills.Mindfulness Explorers: Defining the Basics
Students will explore the basic principles of mindfulness and its potential benefits. They will watch introductory videos, read articles, and participate in group discussions to define mindfulness and discuss its relevance to daily life.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal definition of mindfulness and a list of potential benefits based on initial research and discussion.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of understanding the principles and practices of mindfulness by introducing foundational concepts and setting the stage for practical application.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMindfulness and Sensory Awareness Portfolio Rubric
Mindfulness Foundations
Assesses the student's comprehension of mindfulness principles, the ability to articulate a personal definition, and the capacity to identify potential benefits.Understanding of Mindfulness
Accuracy and depth of understanding of mindfulness principles
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of mindfulness principles, integrating diverse perspectives and insights.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough and accurate understanding of mindfulness principles, reflecting a solid grasp of core concepts.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of mindfulness principles, but may have some gaps or inaccuracies in comprehension.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a beginning understanding of mindfulness principles, with significant gaps and limited comprehension of core concepts.
Personal Definition
Clarity and coherence of personal definition of mindfulness
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a personal definition of mindfulness that is exceptionally clear, coherent, and insightful, reflecting deep personal reflection.
Proficient
3 PointsCrafts a personal definition of mindfulness that is clear, coherent, and well-articulated, demonstrating thoughtful consideration.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to define mindfulness, but the definition may lack clarity, coherence, or depth.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define mindfulness, resulting in a definition that is unclear, incoherent, or missing.
Potential Benefits
Completeness and relevance of potential benefits of mindfulness
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies a comprehensive range of potential benefits of mindfulness, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of its impact on various aspects of life.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies a relevant range of potential benefits of mindfulness, showing a solid understanding of its impact on daily life.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some potential benefits of mindfulness, but the list may be incomplete or lack relevance.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify potential benefits of mindfulness, providing a limited or irrelevant list.
Sensory Awareness
Focuses on the student's capacity to sharpen observational skills through detailed sensory experiences and thoughtful journaling.Sensory Observation
Detail and accuracy of sensory observations
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides exceptionally detailed and accurate sensory observations, capturing subtle nuances and complexities of each sensory experience.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides thorough and accurate sensory observations, effectively capturing key details of each sensory experience.
Developing
2 PointsProvides sensory observations with some detail and accuracy, but may miss some key elements or nuances.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides limited or inaccurate sensory observations, lacking detail and failing to capture key elements of the sensory experience.
Personal Reflection
Depth of reflection on sensory experiences
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates profound reflection on sensory experiences, revealing deep insights into personal connections, emotional responses, and transformative learning.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thoughtful reflection on sensory experiences, revealing clear insights into personal connections and emotional responses.
Developing
2 PointsShows some reflection on sensory experiences, but the insights may be superficial or lack depth.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates minimal reflection on sensory experiences, with little to no insight into personal connections or emotional responses.
Journaling Skills
Clarity and organization of journal entries
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts exceptionally clear, organized, and engaging journal entries, demonstrating exceptional written communication skills and thoughtful presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsCrafts clear and well-organized journal entries, demonstrating effective written communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsCreates journal entries that lack clarity, organization, or detail, hindering effective communication.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces journal entries that are unclear, disorganized, and incomplete, significantly impeding communication.