Deep Breathing
Why Should It be done ?
To slow down a student’s breathing to assist with upset, stressed and anxious feelings
Relaxes muscles and brings your heart rate back to normal
Gives students a sense of control and relief
Creates feelings of internal calmness
It enhances focus
Helps with self-regulation
When Should it be done ?
When student(s)/teacher feels internal tension rising
When student is agitated or overwhelmed
Different parts of the day (schedule to do as a class before/after transitioning)
When nervous, afraid, are over stimulated
Before a test, project or presentation
How should it be done?
Get your students attention in a calm or quiet voice
Give the class some norms/rules. For example, no blowing your breath on your neighbor or yelling someone breath stinks.
Instruct your students to take a deep breath in through their nose
Breathe in for 5 seconds (teacher will count to 5 while students are breathing in)
Hold that breath for 3 seconds (teacher will count to 3 while students hold the breath)
Release the breath through their mouth for 5 seconds (teacher will count the 5 seconds while students are releasing the breath)
Repeat the process 3 to 5 times so students can get some practice