Me, My Breath, and the World Around Me

Preparation

Place a carpet or mat on the floor and have the children sit together in a circle. The teacher sits with the group at the same level.

Implementation

The teacher demonstrates calm, deep breathing:

• Place one hand on the belly and one on the chest. Inhale slowly through the nose, feeling first the belly and then the chest expand.
• Hold the breath gently while counting 1, 2, 3, then exhale slowly through the mouth, feeling the chest and belly soften again.

The teacher gives gentle guidance using a calm and reassuring tone. Once the children are familiar with the rhythm, they can try closing their eyes or resting their hands on their knees while breathing.

During the breathing exercise, the teacher can guide children’s attention to sounds or sights in their surroundings.

Ask them to listen carefully and notice what sounds they can hear (e.g.: birds, wind, footsteps).

Afterward, invite each child to share what they noticed and how that sound made them feel.