Introduction

Teaching students how to manage their emotions and maintain focus is an essential part of their education, especially for those in special education programs. Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles into everyday activities can help students develop self-regulation and concentration skills. In this blog post, we will explore animal breathing techniques that are not only enjoyable but also effective in helping students maintain calmness and focus in the classroom.

No-Prep Activity: Animal Breathing

This simple, no-prep activity can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. It requires no materials and can be done anywhere, making it perfect for busy educators and students alike. Animal breathing techniques, such as Dragon Breathing and Bee Breathing, are fun and engaging ways to help students practice mindfulness and self-regulation.

Dragon Breathing

1. Ask students to wiggle their fingers like a dragon with long claws.
2. Encourage them to take a deep breath in through their nose.
3. Have them stick out their tongue and exhale forcefully, imitating a dragon’s fiery breath.
4. Repeat this process two more times, reminding students to wiggle their fingers and breathe deeply.

Bee Breathing

1. Ask students to take a deep breath in through their nose.
2. Keeping their mouth closed, have them hum or buzz like a bee as they exhale slowly.
3. Repeat this process two more times, encouraging students to focus on the sound and sensation of their breath.

Discussion Questions

• How did Dragon Breathing and Bee Breathing make you feel? Were you able to focus and feel calmer?
• Why do you think these animal breathing techniques help with focus and relaxation?
• Can you think of any other animals that might have interesting breathing techniques? How could you imitate them?
• When do you think would be a good time to use these animal breathing techniques during your day?
• How can practicing mindfulness and self-regulation help you in other areas of your life?

Related Skills

Beyond animal breathing techniques, there are other related skills that can help students develop self-regulation and concentration abilities. Some of these include:

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Mindful listening
• Yoga and stretching exercises

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about Dragon Breathing and Bee Breathing, it’s time to incorporate these techniques into your classroom routine. To help you get started, we invite you to sign up for free samples of these skills and other helpful resources. By incorporating these practices into your teaching, you can create a more focused, calm, and supportive learning environment for your students.