Welcome Back: 5 Breathing Techniques for a Calm Classroom

Welcome back! Whether you're an educator, parent, or carer, we're so glad to have you here as you start this new term or chapter with your little ones (or not so little ones!).

We all know those first few days back can feel a bit chaotic. Everyone's adjusting, energy levels are all over the place, and sometimes you just need a moment to help everyone settle. That's where these simple breathing techniques come in.

You don't need any fancy equipment or training. Just a few minutes and a willingness to breathe together. These work brilliantly with any age group and any size class, and they can make a real difference to how your day starts.

1. Balloon Breathing

Get everyone to imagine they're blowing up a balloon. Breathe in slowly through your nose while stretching your arms out wide (that's the balloon getting bigger). Then breathe out through your mouth while bringing your hands back together (balloon deflating). Do this three to five times.

Kids love this one because they can really see what's happening. Plus, it gets a bit of movement in there too.

2. Square Breathing

Draw or trace a square in the air with your finger. Breathe in for four counts as you trace the first side going up. Hold your breath for four counts along the top. Breathe out for four counts going down the other side. Hold again for four counts along the bottom.

This one's great when anyone's feeling a bit wobbly or anxious. The counting gives your brain something to focus on.

3. Flower and Candle Breathing

Ask everyone to pretend they're holding a beautiful flower in one hand and a birthday candle in the other. Breathe in slowly through your nose to smell the flower. Then breathe out gently through your mouth to blow out the candle, but not too hard or you'll blow it across the room!

Even the youngest children get this straight away. It's gentle and calming, and it helps everyone control their breathing.

4. Bee Breathing

Sit comfortably and take a deep breath in through your nose. As you breathe out, make a soft humming sound like a bee buzzing. You can even put your fingers gently over your ears to hear the sound more clearly inside your head.

This might feel a bit silly at first, but that's part of the fun. The vibration is really soothing, and making noise together can help everyone feel connected.

5. Star Breathing

Hold up one hand with your fingers spread out like a star. Use your other hand's finger to trace around it. Breathe in as you trace up one side of your thumb. Breathe out as you trace down the other side. Keep going around each finger, breathing in on the way up and out on the way down.

This is lovely because it gives restless hands something to do while you focus on breathing. You can do it quietly at your desk whenever you need a moment.

Making It Work for You

The beauty of these techniques is that you can use them whenever you need them. First thing in the morning to help everyone settle. After lunch when energy's running high. Before a test when nerves are kicking in. Or at the end of the day to wind down.

You might want to try one each day this week and see which ones your group responds to best. Some classes love the playful ones like balloon breathing. Others prefer the calm focus of square breathing.

The most important thing? Do them together. When you all breathe as a group, it creates this lovely sense of calm and connection. You're not just teaching a technique. You're building a little community ritual that says "we're in this together, and we've got tools to help us through."

Here's to a wonderful start. You've got this, and we're cheering you on every step of the way.