Contributed by Laura Borgwardt

Description

Students explore different types of breathing techniques to feel more relaxed.

Directions

“Let’s all take a deep breath in through our nose (breathe in), and out through our mouth (breathe out). Great! I’m feeling more relaxed already. Let’s try that two more times: in through our nose, and out through our mouth. Last time! A deep breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth.”

Transition Into Activity

“Take in a deep breath to help us ground back into our bodies.”

or

“Take in a collective breath in together.”

Transition Out of Activity

Ask:

• “How does it feel to breathe together?”
• “Do you always breathe in deeply, or are there times where your breathing gets shallow?”
• “What does deep breathing do to our nervous system?”

Classroom Arrangement

It’s up to you.

Supports/Adaptive Materials/Tools

• Add qualities to the breathing
  • “Breathe in like you’re smelling a flower, breathe out like you’re blowing out birthday candles.”
  • “Breathe in your day/week/year so far, breathe it out on a sound (sigh, blah, scream, whatever represents your day/week/year).”
• Add a visual cue
  • Hands up and down.
  • Hands near the ribs moving in and out.
  • Use a Hoberman sphere to model your lungs expanding and deflating.
  • Show a card with a nose breathing in and a mouth breathing out.

Possible Roles for Classroom Professionals

Model taking deep breaths in and out.

Adjustments for Remote Instruction

No adjustments necessary.