Guided Visualization | Mindful Minutes
About
This Mindful Minutes video focuses on guided visualization. Guided visualization is a technique where you imagine positive images or scenarios in your mind. Thinking of happy places, things, and people can help you relax the body and encourage a sense of well-being.
WQED Education teamed up with Open Up Pittsburgh to bring you Mindful Minutes! These videos can be used in the classroom, library, or any learning space to help everyone get centered and calmed down to start or end the day or activity. Each video starts with a breathing exercise and then dives into an activity to practice the theme.
Credits: Open Up Pgh and WQED
Standards
CASEL SEL Standards (Pre‑K–5)
Self‑Awareness (SA)
- SA‑1 – Identify and name emotions before and after visualization.
- SA‑2 – Notice internal cues (breathing, tension, calmness) during guided imagery.
- SA‑3 – Recognize how thoughts and mental images influence feelings.
- SA‑4 – Build accurate self‑perception through reflective visualization.
Self‑Management (SM)
- SM‑1 – Use visualization as a strategy to manage stress or strong emotions.
- SM‑2 – Demonstrate impulse control by staying still and focused.
- SM‑3 – Practice calming techniques (breathing, imagery, grounding).
- SM‑4 – Sustain attention throughout the guided experience.
Social Awareness (SO)
- SO‑1 – Recognize that others may visualize different calming images.
- SO‑2 – Show empathy for peers who may need quiet or space during mindfulness.
- SO‑3 – Respect diverse emotional experiences and calming strategies.
- SO‑4 – Understand that everyone benefits from moments of calm.
Relationship Skills (RS)
- RS‑1 – Listen actively to instructions and maintain a peaceful environment.
- RS‑2 – Cooperate with peers by respecting shared quiet space.
- RS‑3 – Resolve small conflicts by using calm communication after mindfulness.
- RS‑4 – Offer encouragement or support to classmates who find visualization helpful.
Responsible Decision‑Making (DM)
- DM‑4 – Reflect on which visualization strategies help them feel calm and centered.
- DM‑1 – Identify choices that support personal well‑being (e.g., choosing calming images).
- DM‑2 – Make decisions that help maintain a peaceful environment for others.
- DM‑3 – Consider how their behavior affects classmates’ ability to focus.

