Inhale – Exhale MAGIC CIRCLE
Directions: First, have the children take several deep, slow breaths. Ask them to place their hands on their diaphragm so they can feel their lungs expanding and contracting. Ask them to inhale through their noses and exhale through their mouths on a slow count of eight. For example: Inhale 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ~ and exhale 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
*Demonstrate how to make a “magic circle” by extending fingers and touching finger tips. Breath in and out through the “magic circle.”
*Pretend to hold a cup of hot chocolate and smell it as they slowly breath in. Pretend to blow out candles on a birthday cake as they slowly breath out.
Tighten and Relax
Directions: Help children release stress by tightening and relaxing different body parts.
Squeeze your hands tight as you can. Tighter. Tighter. Now relax.
Squeeze your toes tight as you can. Tighter. Tighter. Now relax.
Squeeze your arms…
Legs… Shoulders… Mouths… etc.
*Explain that when you say, “soldiers” they should stand as stiffly as they can. When you say, “rag dolls” they should flop over like a rag doll. Alternate saying “soldiers” and “rag dolls.”
“Eye” Can Focus
Directions: Demonstrate how to hold your two index fingers a few inches from your eyes on either side of your head. Look at the right index finger with both eyes and then look at the left index finger. Do this several times to improve attention.
Make Rain
Directions: Tell the children to do exactly what you do and they’ll get a surprise!
Tap right index finger to your left palm 10 times.
Tap right index finger and middle finger to your left palm 10 times.
Tap right index, middle, and ring finger to your left palm 10 times.
Tap right index, middle, ring, and pinky finger to your left palm 10 times.
Clap hands 10 times.
Clap hands and stomp feet 10 times.
(Reverse movements)
...Place hands quietly in your lap and smile.
Water Please!
Materials: water bottles
Directions: Did you know that every hour the brain needs water? Have children keep a water bottle at their desk and “take a swig” on the hour.
Silent Version
Directions: Lip sinc songs and the noise volume and energy level will decrease.
