Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills are crucial for students to develop healthy relationships, manage emotions, and navigate various life challenges. One such skill is belly breathing, a simple yet effective technique that helps students stay calm and manage their emotions. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of belly breathing, provide a no-prep activity for educators to teach this technique, offer discussion questions, and suggest related skills.

No-Prep Activity: The Balloon Belly Breathing

Introduce belly breathing to your students with this no-prep activity that requires no materials or preparation. The activity is called “The Balloon.”

1. Ask students to sit comfortably in their chairs or on the floor.
2. Invite them to place one hand on their belly and the other on their chest.
3. Explain that they will pretend their belly is a balloon that they need to fill with air and then deflate.
4. Instruct students to take a deep breath in through their nose, filling their belly like a balloon.
5. Ask them to hold their breath for a few seconds and then slowly exhale through their mouth, deflating the balloon.
6. Repeat the process for a few minutes, encouraging students to focus on their breath and the sensation of their belly rising and falling.

This activity helps students become aware of their breathing and shows them how to use belly breathing as a tool to manage their emotions.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to spark further discussions around belly breathing and its benefits:

1. How did you feel before and after practicing belly breathing? Did you notice any changes in your emotions or body?
2. Why do you think belly breathing can help us feel calmer and more relaxed?
3. Can you think of a situation where you felt scared, angry, or upset and could have used belly breathing to help you calm down? How might that have changed the outcome?
4. How can practicing belly breathing regularly help us in our daily lives?
5. What other techniques or strategies can you think of to help manage emotions and stay calm?

Related Skills

Belly breathing is just one of the many SEL skills that students can benefit from. Here are a few related skills that can further support students’ emotional well-being and personal growth:

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and focused attention, can help students become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, allowing them to better manage their emotions.
• Self-awareness: Encourage students to recognize and understand their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth, helping them develop a strong sense of self and self-confidence.
• Emotion regulation: Teach students strategies to manage their emotions effectively, such as identifying triggers, using positive self-talk, and seeking support from others.
• Resilience: Help students develop the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks, fostering a growth mindset and a positive outlook on life.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the importance of belly breathing and how to teach it to your students, it’s time to explore other SEL skills that can support their emotional well-being. To access free samples of skill-building materials and activities, sign up at Everyday Speech. With these resources, you can continue to empower your students and help them develop the essential skills needed for success in and out of the classroom.