Lesson Plan
Relaxation Routine Plan
Students will learn and practice simple stretching movements and deep breathing techniques to calm their bodies and focus their minds, culminating in a reflective discussion on how relaxation supports emotional well-being.
Helping 2nd graders develop self-regulation and mindfulness skills promotes a positive classroom atmosphere, reduces stress, and builds lifelong healthy habits for focus and emotional resilience.
Audience
2nd Grade Class
Time
25 minutes
Approach
Guided stretches, breathing exercises, and reflective discussion foster calm and self-awareness.
Materials
Prep
Review Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Open and review Calm Classroom Slides for flow and visuals
- Practice the movements in the Gentle Stretching Warm-Up
- Read through the Guided Relaxation Script to ensure comfortable pacing
- Familiarize yourself with the questions in Feel-Good Reflection
Step 1
Gentle Stretching Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the carpet
- Lead them through the Gentle Stretching Warm-Up
- Emphasize slow, controlled movements (neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, arm reaches)
- Encourage students to notice how their bodies feel as they stretch
Step 2
Guided Relaxation
15 minutes
- Dim lights and display Calm Classroom Slides
- Invite students to lie down or sit comfortably with eyes closed
- Use the Guided Relaxation Script to lead deep breathing and body scan
- Pause between prompts to allow students to follow at their own pace
- Maintain a calm voice and gentle background music if available
Step 3
Feel-Good Reflection
5 minutes
- Have students sit up slowly and return to their seats
- Distribute the Feel-Good Reflection prompt sheets
- Ask students to draw or write one way they felt calm today and one strategy they’ll try at home
- Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections
- Close by reinforcing that these techniques can be used anytime they need a moment to relax
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Ready to Relax?
A calming classroom routine for stretching, breathing, and mindfulness.
Welcome, 2nd graders! Today we’re going to learn a calming routine called “Ready to Relax?” Let’s get comfy and prepare to calm our bodies and minds.
Today’s Goals
• Learn gentle stretching movements
• Practice deep belly breathing
• Experience a full-body scan
• Reflect on how we feel calm
Explain that by the end of the session, students will know how to stretch gently, practice deep breathing, do a body scan, and share how they feel.
Why Relaxing Matters
• Calms our bodies
• Helps us focus in class
• Builds self-control and resilience
Ask: Why do we need to relax? Emphasize that relaxing helps us feel calmer, pay attention, and handle big emotions.
Warm-Up Stretches
• Neck Rolls (slow circles)
• Shoulder Shrugs (up and down)
• Arm Reaches (side to side)
Invite students to stand in a circle. Demonstrate each stretch slowly, then have everyone follow. Encourage noticing the sensations.
Belly Breathing
- Hands on belly
- Inhale through nose (4 counts)
- Exhale through nose (4 counts)
- Repeat 3–5 times
Have students place hands on their bellies. Model breathing in for 4 counts, then out for 4. Count slowly together.
Body Scan: Feet & Legs
• Notice your toes and heels
• Notice your ankles and calves
Guide attention to the feet and legs. Ask students to notice any tingling or pressure. Pause for 10 seconds.
Body Scan: Torso & Arms
• Notice your belly and chest
• Notice your arms and hands
Next, move focus to the torso and arms. Invite students to feel their chest rising and falling.
Body Scan: Head & Face
• Relax your jaw and chin
• Soften your forehead and eyes
Finally, bring attention to the head and face. Encourage softening of the jaw, cheeks, and forehead.
Feel-Good Reflection
Draw or write:
- How did you feel today?
- Which strategy will you try at home?
Hand out reflection sheets. Give students a couple of minutes to draw or write their thoughts. Invite volunteers to share.
Great Job!
Remember: You can use these techniques anytime to feel calm and focused.
Praise students for their effort. Remind them they can use these stretches, breathing, and scans whenever they need a calm moment.
Warm Up
Gentle Stretching Warm-Up
Time: 5 minutes
Let’s wake up our bodies with simple, mindful stretches. Invite students to stand in a circle on the carpet and follow along.
- Neck Rolls (1 minute)
• Slowly drop right ear toward right shoulder, roll chin forward, then to left shoulder.
• Repeat 3 slow circles, then switch direction for 3 more. - Shoulder Shrugs (1 minute)
• Lift both shoulders up toward ears, hold for a count of two, then let them drop.
• Repeat 5 times, noticing how your shoulders feel as they rise and fall. - Arm Reaches (1 minute)
• Reach both arms overhead as if trying to touch the sky—hold for 3 breaths.
• Then reach arms out wide, as if giving a big hug—hold for 3 breaths. - Side Stretches (1 minute)
• With feet hip-width apart, place hands on hips.
• Reach right arm over head and lean left, hold for 3 breaths.
• Switch and reach left arm over head, lean right, hold for 3 breaths. - Wiggle It Out (1 minute)
• Shake out both arms and legs like you’re a wet dog.
• Take a deep breath in… and let it go with a big sigh!
Encourage students to notice how their bodies feel during each stretch. Remind them to move slowly and breathe deeply throughout.
Script
Guided Relaxation Script
Okay, friends—let’s get ready to relax together. Please lie down on your backs with your legs uncrossed and your arms resting gently by your sides. If it feels safe, softly close your eyes. Let your body feel heavy against the floor or carpet.
Now, place one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest. We’re going to practice deep belly breathing. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four… one… two… three… four. Feel your belly rise like a balloon filling with air. Then breathe out through your nose for a count of four… one… two… three… four. Feel your belly fall.
Let’s do that two more times.
Breathe in… one… two… three… four.
Breathe out… one… two… three… four.
And one more time—breathe in… one… two… three… four…
…and breathe out… one… two… three… four.
Wonderful. Let your hands rest once more by your sides.
Body Scan
We’re going to tiptoe around our bodies with our attention. Try not to move—just notice.
- Toes & Feet
Bring your attention to your toes and feet. Can you feel your toes wiggle? Are they warm or cool? Are your feet heavy?
Pause quietly for about 10 seconds. - Ankles & Calves
Now shift your focus to your ankles and calves. Notice any gentle pressure or soft spots.
Pause for 10 seconds. - Belly & Chest
Move your attention to your belly and chest. Feel your chest rise and fall with each breath. Notice how calm your heart feels right now.
Pause for 10 seconds. - Hands & Arms
Now notice your hands and arms. Are they resting heavy and soft? Let them feel warm and relaxed.
Pause for 10 seconds. - Head & Face
Finally, bring your focus to your head and face. Soften your jaw—let it drop open just a little. Relax your cheeks and smooth your forehead. Feel any tiny muscles around your eyes soften.
Pause for 10 seconds.
Great job noticing all those parts of your body.
Return & Closing
Let’s take one more deep belly breath together.
Breathe in… one… two… three… four.
Breathe out… one… two… three… four.
When you’re ready, gently wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your arms above your head… and slowly roll to your right side. Take your time getting up, and softly open your eyes when you feel calm and awake.
Thank you for relaxing with me today. Remember, you can use this breathing and body scan anytime you need a peaceful moment in our day.
Cool Down
Feel-Good Reflection
Name: ____________________________
- Draw or write one way you felt calm today:
- Draw or write one relaxation strategy you will try at home:
Great job using your calm tools! Remember, you can practice these techniques anytime you need a peaceful moment.