Wellbeing - Discoverers - Breathing activity

These are all techniques to help calm if upset or just to focus on the breathing and become more aware of our bodies.

Squeezing Squishy Toys

• Place the squishy toy in the palm of both hands.
• Model a deep breath in through the nose whilst hand over hand squeezing the child’s hands over the toy.
• Model exhaling through the nose as you release the hands.
• Continue for four more breathes or as long as necessary.

If your child can squeeze the toy independently you can ask them to or model alongside them.

Mirror Fogging                    

• Look closely at your own eyes using a mirror.
• Breathe in and out deeply for 10 seconds.
• Inhale through the nose for the count of 4.
• Breathe out through the mouth onto the mirror for the count of 6.
• Observe how the mirror fogs up.
• Continue for 3 more rounds.
• Remember to listen carefully to the breath on every exhale.

Using a mirror gives visual feedback as they explore breathing and self-image.  It’s a fun and relaxing way to see your breath come to life.

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Breathing with a Hoberman Sphere

• Sit and stand in a comfortable position with the spine straight.
• Inform the child they will be breathing in sync with the actions of the ball.
• Ensure the ball is closed at the start of the activity.
• Slowly open the expanding ball and ask the child to breathe in deeply through the nose.
• Gradually close the ball as the child exhale slowly through the mouth with the action of the ball.
• Continue breathing deeply along with the ball for five more rounds.

Aim for the opening and closing of the ball to be the same amount of time. If your child is experiencing heightened emotions, make the breaths longer.