Children will happily do a breathing exercise if it is a game, and they will do it even more happily if they get to pick the game. These eight cut-out breathing cards each show one game with a picture and a one-line instruction, so even pre-readers can choose.
What is on it
Eight cards: Bubble Breath, Flower and Candle, Snake Breath, Bumblebee Buzz, Teddy Belly Ride, Five-Finger Breath, Box Breath and Dragon Breath. Each has an illustration and a short instruction. Cut along the dashed lines.
Who it is for
Children from about three to nine, families who want to make breathing a game, and teachers who want a quick two-minute reset for a group. The pictures mean pre-readers can choose a card on their own, and having a choice makes reluctant children far more likely to join in.
How to use it
- Print, cut along the dashed lines, laminate if you can, punch a hole in the corner and clip the cards on a ring.
- Play one card a day for a week so your child learns them all.
- When a feeling gets big, offer two cards and let your child pick one.
- Keep a set in the car or school bag; they weigh nothing.
Tips
- Children tend to pick the same favorite for a while. That is fine; repetition is how it becomes automatic.
- Dragon breath is energizing; follow it with snake or bumblebee to settle.
Keep going
Each card is explained in more detail in our 10 breathing games for kids. They also belong in a portable calm down kit.
US Letter, one page, full color (it also prints fine in black and white, and on A4 with "fit to page"). Free for home, classroom and therapy use; please share the link rather than re-uploading the file. More on our free tools and printables page.
