Winter can bring a lot of excitement and, at times, sensory overload for students. For elementary special education teachers, finding strategies to help students manage emotions and maintain focus is crucial. Enter the Calming Snowflakes Activity by Everyday Speech—an engaging tool designed to teach students about self-regulation through deep breathing. This calming winter self-regulation activity for elementary students is simple yet impactful.
Why Teach Self-Regulation?
The winter season often introduces new stimuli: holiday excitement, changes in schedules, and less outdoor activity. All of this can heighten emotional responses. Teaching self-regulation equips students with tools to recognize and manage their emotions, creating a foundation for success in school and beyond.
Deep breathing is one of the most effective techniques for calming the body and mind. It’s easy to learn, universally beneficial, and accessible to all students. The Calming Snowflakes Activity uses a visual, interactive method to make deep breathing engaging and fun for younger learners.
What Makes the Calming Snowflakes Activity Unique?
Everyday Speech’s Calming Snowflakes Activity provides students with a hands-on experience in managing their emotions. This winter-themed exercise guides students through:
- Visual Cues: The snowflake’s offer a visual guide for tracing, reinforcing slow, steady breaths.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Students practice breathing in, holding, and breathing out.
- Engagement Through Crafting: Students can color and cut out the snowflakes, adding a creative element to their self-regulation practice.
By combining movement, visual stimuli, and breathing techniques, this activity appeals to diverse learners, including those with sensory needs.
How to Use the Calming Snowflakes in the Classroom
- Introduce the Activity
Start with a short lesson about why deep breathing helps calm the body. Use accessible language to explain how slowing down breathing can reduce stress. - Model the Exercise
Demonstrate tracing the snowflake while breathing in, holding, and breathing out. Encourage students to watch closely before trying it themselves. - Practice as a Group
Guide the class through the breathing exercise together. Use prompts like, “Breathe in slowly as you trace up,” and “Hold your breath at the point.” - Independent Practice
Once students feel comfortable, let them use the snowflakes independently. This builds their confidence in managing emotions without direct teacher intervention. - Reflect and Discuss
After completing the activity, invite students to share how they feel. Reflection reinforces the importance of self-regulation strategies.
Why Teachers Love This Activity
Teachers appreciate the Calming Snowflakes Activity for its adaptability. Whether used as a whole-group lesson, a small-group intervention, or an individual calming strategy, it fits seamlessly into any routine. Plus, its creative and seasonal theme keeps students engaged.
Benefits include:
- Encouraging mindfulness and focus
- Providing a sensory-friendly self-regulation tool
- Building independence in emotional management
- Aligning with social-emotional learning (SEL) goals
Expanding the Impact of Self-Regulation Activities
The Calming Snowflakes Activity can serve as a gateway to broader conversations about emotional health. Here are additional ways to extend learning:
- Connect to Other SEL Skills: Pair this activity with lessons on identifying emotions or problem-solving.
- Incorporate Movement: Combine breathing with simple yoga poses to further enhance calmness.
- Send Snowflakes Home: Encourage students to use the activity with family members, reinforcing SEL at home.
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Build a Calm, Focused Winter Environment
As you navigate the excitement and challenges of the winter season, equip your students with tools to manage their emotions effectively. Everyday Speech’s Calming Snowflakes Activity is more than a craft—it’s a pathway to emotional resilience and a calmer classroom.
Implement this Calming Winter Self-Regulation Activity for Elementary Students today and watch your students thrive. SEL tools like this aren’t just seasonal—they leave a lasting impact.
Ready to bring calm to your classroom this winter? Visit Everyday Speech to explore this activity and other SEL resources designed to empower students and educators alike.
Sample Video
Students learn best by watching others their same-age model the behavior! Check out a sample video modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here!
Related Blog Posts:
Free Elementary Deep Breathing Activity & Lesson
Box Breathing: A Simple Technique to Calm the Mind and Enhance Focus
Five Finger Breathing: A Mindfulness Activity for Elementary Students
