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Calm Breathing

A soft shape slowly grows as you breathe in and shrinks as you breathe out, with gentle counting. Choose simple in-and-out breathing, a longer breath out, or box breathing. At the end, pupils can say how they feel now; if they are still upset, it suggests telling a grown-up. Nothing is scored or saved.

For All ages. About 2 minutes. Senses & listening. Low sensory, no reading needed, works without sound.

What pupils practise

• Use slow breathing to calm down
• Follow a steady rhythm: in, (hold), out
• Notice how my body feels before and after
• Know I can tell a grown-up if I still feel upset

Tips for teachers

• Practise when pupils are calm, so they can use it when they are not.
• Breathe along with them: hand on tummy, in through the nose, out through the mouth.
• A longer breath out is the most calming. Try it once pupils know the basic rhythm.
• Keep it on the board as a choice in a calm corner or regulation routine.

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