Need a Breather?

Christian Page

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Breather Blueprint

Guide students through a rapid, 10-minute sensory break routine combining breathing and movement to help them recognize and manage energy levels for improved focus.

Young learners often struggle to self-regulate and stay attentive. This routine offers structured breathing and physical cues to increase body awareness, reduce overstimulation, and foster calmer, more engaged students.

Audience

2nd Grade Class

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Guided whole-class breathing and movement exercises.

Materials

Visual Breather Guide, Heartbeat Check Warm-Up, Balloon Breathe Relay Activity, and Mindful Clap Countdown Cool-Down

Prep

Prepare Materials

3 minutes

Print and assemble the Visual Breather Guide.
Review steps for Heartbeat Check Warm-Up, Balloon Breathe Relay Activity, and Mindful Clap Countdown Cool-Down.
Clear an open area in the classroom to allow movement without obstacles.

Step 1

Introduction & Visual Guide

1 minute

Gather students in an open area.
Display the Visual Breather Guide on the board or projector.
Explain that this 10-minute break will help them notice and adjust their energy levels.

Step 2

Heartbeat Check Warm-Up

2 minutes

Instruct students to place one hand on their chest or back.
Breathe in slowly for a count of 4, then exhale for a count of 4.
Ask them to notice and count their heartbeats as they breathe steadily.

Step 3

Balloon Breathe Relay Activity

5 minutes

Divide the class into two lines facing you.
First student in each line pretends to hold an invisible balloon.
On the teacher’s signal, inhale deeply to “inflate” the balloon (arms rise overhead), then exhale to “deflate.”
Pass the imaginary balloon to the next student on the exhale.
Continue until every student has had a turn.

Step 4

Mindful Clap Countdown Cool-Down

2 minutes

Have students form a circle or remain in lines.
Lead a countdown from 5 to 1 with one intentional clap per number.
On each clap, students inhale and exhale slowly.
At “1,” invite a quick silent reflection: How does your body feel now compared to the start?

Slide Deck

Need a Breather?

A 10-minute sensory break to notice and manage your energy levels.

Welcome students! Today we’re going to take a quick, 10-minute break to notice our energy and calm our bodies. Use the gradient slides (soft blues) to keep things fun and soothing. Let’s get started!

Heartbeat Check Warm-Up

• Hand on chest or back
• Inhale quietly for 4 counts
• Exhale quietly for 4 counts
• Notice your heartbeat

Explain that placing a hand on the chest/back helps them feel their heartbeat. Guide them through one round aloud. Ensure they inhale quietly for 4 counts and exhale for 4 counts.

Balloon Breathe Relay

• Line up facing forward
• Inhale to “inflate” balloon (arms up)
• Exhale to “deflate” balloon (arms down)
• Pass balloon on each exhale

Divide class into two lines. Model the balloon inflate (arms up) and deflate (arms down) once. Then signal ‘Go!’ and have students pass the imaginary balloon on each exhale.

Mindful Clap Countdown

• Clap & count 5 to 1
• Inhale on each clap
• Exhale slowly after each clap

Gather students in a circle or lines. Lead a countdown from 5 to 1, clapping once per number. On each clap, have them inhale then exhale slowly. Emphasize slow, steady breaths.

How Do You Feel?

Quiet reflection:
How does your body feel now?
Share one word or feeling.

Invite students to close their eyes for a moment of silent reflection. Ask: “How does your body feel now compared to the start?” Encourage 1–2 volunteers to share.

Warm Up

Heartbeat Check Warm-Up

Time: 2 minutes

Have students sit or stand comfortably with one hand placed gently on their chest or back.
Guide them to inhale quietly for a slow count of 4.
Guide them to exhale quietly for a slow count of 4.
Prompt them to notice and count their heartbeats as they breathe steadily.
Repeat this cycle for two full rounds, encouraging calm, even breaths throughout.

Materials: None

This quick tune-in helps students become aware of their internal energy levels and prepares them for the next sensory break activity.

Activity

Balloon Breathe Relay Activity

Time: 5 minutes

Clear a safe, open space and divide students into two equal lines facing the teacher.
Explain that each student will pretend to hold an invisible balloon.
On the teacher’s signal (“Ready, set, breathe!”), the first student in each line inhales slowly to “inflate” the balloon (raising arms overhead), then exhales to “deflate” it (lowering arms).
As they exhale, they pass the imaginary balloon to the next person in line.
Continue the inhale–exhale–pass cycle until every student has had a turn.
Encourage students to keep their breaths quiet and even, and to focus on smooth, controlled movements.
After the relay, gather students and ask: “How did your body feel as you breathed and passed the balloon?”

Materials: None

This relay helps students coordinate movement with breath, boosting energy awareness and self‐regulation.

Cool Down

Mindful Clap Countdown Cool-Down

Time: 2 minutes

Have students form a circle or remain in their spots.
Lead a slow countdown from 5 down to 1, with one clear clap on each number.
On each clap, prompt students to inhale slowly for a count of 3, then exhale fully for a count of 3.
At the final clap on “1,” invite students to place a hand on their heart, close their eyes, and take one more slow inhale–exhale.
Encourage a brief silent reflection: How does your body feel now compared to the start?

Materials: None

This cooldown consolidates calm breathing, reinforces energy awareness, and transitions students back to focused learning.