Introduction
As educators, we understand the importance of helping our students develop healthy ways to manage their emotions. One such technique, especially beneficial for PreK students, is belly breathing. This simple yet effective method of deep breathing can help young learners regulate their emotions during moments of stress, anxiety, or anger. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of belly breathing, provide a no-prep activity for educators, suggest discussion questions, and mention related skills for students.
No-Prep Activity: Belly Breathing Practice
This activity requires no additional preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, gather your students in a comfortable sitting position, either on the floor or in their chairs. Follow these steps:
- Explain to your students that belly breathing is a technique that can help them feel calmer and more relaxed when they are feeling upset, scared, or angry.
- Ask your students to place their hands on their bellies.
- Instruct them to breathe in slowly through their noses, feeling their bellies rise and expand as they fill with air.
- Next, have your students exhale slowly through their mouths, feeling their bellies contract and return to their original position.
- Repeat this process several times, encouraging your students to focus on the sensation of their breath and their bellies expanding and contracting.
As your students practice belly breathing, remind them that this technique can be used anytime they feel upset or overwhelmed, both inside and outside the classroom.
Discussion Questions
After practicing belly breathing, engage your students in a conversation about the activity and its benefits. Consider asking the following questions:
- How did you feel before practicing belly breathing? How do you feel now?
- What situations or feelings might make you want to use belly breathing?
- Can you think of a time when you could have used belly breathing to help you feel calmer?
- How can belly breathing help us in the classroom?
- What are some other strategies you can use to help yourself feel calm and focused?
Related Skills
Belly breathing is just one of many skills that can help students develop emotional regulation and resilience. Other related skills for students to explore include:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Positive self-talk
- Identifying and expressing emotions
- Problem-solving and coping strategies
- Building healthy relationships and communication skills
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned about belly breathing and its benefits for PreK students, we encourage you to explore additional resources and activities that support social-emotional learning. To access free samples of skill-related materials, please visit Everyday Speech. By incorporating these resources into your classroom, you can help your students develop strong emotional regulation skills and foster a more supportive learning environment.
