Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential for students to develop the ability to focus and relax. This is especially true for students in Special Education, who may face unique challenges in managing stress and maintaining concentration. One effective way to promote these skills is through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities that incorporate mindful breathing and physical movement. In this blog post, we will discuss the Five Finger Breathing exercise and how it can help students improve their focus and relaxation.

No-Prep Activity: Five Finger Breathing

The Five Finger Breathing exercise is a simple, no-prep activity that requires no additional materials or preparation from the educator. It combines mindful breathing with physical movement to help students stay focused and prevent their minds from wandering to other thoughts or worries. Here’s how to perform the exercise:

1. Find a comfortable area to sit or stand with your body relaxed.
2. Look at the palm of your hand and spread your fingers out like a star.
3. Using your other hand, place your index finger on your wrist.
4. Take a deep breath in and begin to slowly trace your finger towards the tip of your thumb. Count to three as you do so.
5. Exhale as you trace your finger down your thumb, counting to three again.
6. Continue this process for each finger, inhaling as you trace up and exhaling as you trace down.
7. Repeat five more rounds of Five Finger Breathing at your own pace, focusing on syncing your breathing with your finger tracing.
8. Relax your hands in your lap when you’re done, signaling to your teacher that you have finished your rounds.

This activity not only helps students practice mindful breathing but also encourages them to be present in the moment and aware of their physical sensations.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Five Finger Breathing exercise, consider discussing the following questions with your students to deepen their understanding and reflection:

• How did you feel before and after the Five Finger Breathing exercise?
• What did you notice about your thoughts and emotions during the activity?
• How can you apply this technique in other situations when you need to focus or relax?
• Why is it important to practice mindful breathing and staying present in the moment?
• What other activities or strategies can help us improve our focus and relaxation?

Related Skills

In addition to Five Finger Breathing, there are several other related skills that can be beneficial for students in Special Education:

• Mindfulness: Developing an awareness of the present moment, thoughts, and emotions without judgment.
• Stress management: Learning effective techniques to cope with and reduce stress in daily life.
• Self-regulation: Developing the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in various situations.
• Active listening: Paying full attention to others when they speak, helping to improve communication and understanding.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and materials to support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our resources at Everyday Speech. Our library of materials includes activities, videos, and lessons designed to help students develop essential SEL skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.