Mindfulness for Kids: 3 Breathing Exercises Teachers Can Try in Class

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. For children, simple breathing exercises can reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional wellness. The best part? These practices take only a few minutes and can easily fit into the school day. Here are three classroom-friendly breathing techniques to try:

1. Balloon Breathing

Ask students to imagine blowing up a balloon in their belly. As they inhale slowly, their “balloon” expands. As they exhale, the balloon deflates. This helps children connect with deep, calming breaths.

2. Five-Finger Breathing

Have students trace one hand with the finger of the other hand. As they move up a finger, they breathe in. As they move down, they breathe out. This gives kids a tactile, visual focus to regulate breathing.

3. Animal Breaths

Turn mindful breathing into a fun game. Examples:

• Bumblebee breath: Inhale, then hum softly on the exhale.

• Lion’s breath: Inhale deeply, then exhale with a wide open mouth and gentle roar.

• Rabbit breath: Take three short inhales through the nose, then one long exhale.

These exercises can be done as a group transition activity, after recess, or before a test. When children learn to use their breath as a tool, they build lifelong skills for managing stress and emotions.