Mindful Pumpkin Breathing
Learn a simple breathing technique
In this lesson, students will decorate a paper pumpkin while learning a simple breathing technique to help them focus and relax. Through imaginative play, they'll connect deep breathing with calming images of falling leaves. This lesson is important as it introduces young students to mindfulness practices, helping them develop self-regulation skills and emotional awareness.
Learn a simple breathing technique
Paper pumpkins, Crayons or markers, Breathing technique handout, and Pumpkin decoration worksheet
Step 1
Introduction
3 minutes
- Greet the students and introduce the activity.
- Explain that today they will learn a fun way to relax and focus using a pumpkin and their breath.
Step 2
Pumpkin Decoration
7 minutes
- Distribute paper pumpkins and crayons/markers to each student.
- Instruct students to decorate their pumpkins while thinking about calm and happy thoughts.
- Encourage creativity and expression through their decorations.
Step 3
Breathing Technique
5 minutes
- Hand out the breathing technique guide.
- Demonstrate the breathing technique: Inhale slowly as if smelling a pumpkin pie, hold for a moment, then exhale slowly as if blowing leaves off the pumpkin.
- Guide students to practice this breathing technique together.
- Gather students in a circle to share their decorated pumpkins.
- Ask students how they felt during the breathing exercise.
- Encourage them to use this technique whenever they feel upset or need to calm down.
