Shape Breathing

Looking for an easy yet powerful method to enhance self-regulation, reduce stress, and promote a focused atmosphere in your classroom? Practice Shape Breathing!

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a Shape: Select a simple geometric shape, such as a square, triangle, or circle, that can easily be drawn or visualized. Or, use these pre-drawn Shape Breathing templates.
2. Breathe in Sync: Instruct students to breathe in slowly and deeply as they trace the shape with their finger or imagine doing so in their minds.
3. Exhale Slowly: Encourage students to exhale slowly and completely while continuing to follow the shape.
4. Repeat: Practice the shape breathing exercise for several breath cycles, allowing students to connect with their bodies and immerse themselves in the rhythm.

Ideas for Using Shape-Breathing: 

1. Morning Mindfulness: Begin each day with a short shape breathing exercise. Guide your students to breathe in sync with a chosen shape, such as a circle or triangle. 

2. Transition Moments: Taking a few moments to engage in shape breathing can help students transition smoothly between activities or subjects, reducing potential disruptions and enhancing their readiness for the upcoming task.

3. Anxiety Management: Before a test or quiz, introduce a calming shape breathing exercise to help students manage test anxiety and perform at their best potential.

4. Visual Art Activity: Encourage students to design their own image or shape. Students can choose where to start, assign when to inhale/exhale/hold, and consider how to use texture and color.

Guiding students to follow specific breathing patterns can increase focus and improve concentration during class. By incorporating shape-breathing into your routine, students can learn to manage their stress levels more effectively, promoting a more relaxed and conducive learning environment. Additionally, breathwork allows students to connect to their bodies and emotions. This can help to increase self-awareness and self-regulation skills.

Check out these helpful Shape Breathing templates !