Introduction

Belly Breathing is a simple yet powerful technique that can be used anytime to help students feel more calm and relaxed. This exercise is especially beneficial for students in Special Education, as it can help them manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may arise during the learning process. By practicing Belly Breathing, students can develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation skills, which are essential components of Social-Emotional Learning.

No-Prep Activity

Here is a no-prep activity that educators can use to teach Belly Breathing to their students. This activity requires no materials, making it easy to implement in any setting:

1. Ask students to find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down, and close their eyes.
2. Instruct them to place one hand on their chest and the other on their belly.
3. Guide students through the Belly Breathing process by asking them to breathe in slowly, allowing their belly to push out. Then, have them breathe out slowly, letting their belly relax.
4. Encourage students to continue breathing in and out at their own pace for two minutes, focusing on the sensation of their breath as it fills and empties their belly.
5. After the two minutes are up, ask students to gently move their hands and feet and slowly open their eyes, enjoying the calmness they’ve created within themselves.

By practicing this activity regularly, students can learn to use Belly Breathing as a tool to help them feel more relaxed and focused in their daily lives.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about Belly Breathing and its benefits:

1. How did you feel before and after practicing Belly Breathing? Did you notice any changes in your body or mind?
2. When might you use Belly Breathing in your daily life to help you feel more calm and focused?
3. Can you think of other situations where Belly Breathing might be helpful for managing emotions or stress?
4. How can practicing Belly Breathing help you develop better self-awareness and self-regulation skills?
5. What other techniques or strategies do you use to help you feel calm and focused?

Related Skills

Belly Breathing is just one of many skills that can help students in Special Education develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation abilities. Other related skills include:

• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help students become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, allowing them to respond to situations more effectively.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body to promote relaxation and stress relief.
• Visualization: Encouraging students to create mental images of calming scenes or situations can help them manage stress and anxiety.
• Positive Self-Talk: Teaching students to use encouraging and supportive language with themselves can boost their self-esteem and help them cope with challenges.

Next Steps

Interested in learning more about Belly Breathing and other Social-Emotional Learning skills for your Special Education students? Sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech, where you’ll find a variety of resources to help you teach these essential skills and support your students’ overall well-being.