Back to Back Breathing
In pairs, sitting back to back, children feel their partner's back move as they breathe and try to breathe together, as if they were one balloon. It's a cool-down with slow breathing and calm contact with a friend.
How to play
- In pairs, they sit on the floor cross-legged with their backs touching (1 min).
- Quietly, each one feels the partner's back: does it move when they breathe? (1 min).
- The teacher guides: we all breathe in together (backs press a little) and out slowly (backs relax) (2 min).
- They try to breathe together without the teacher counting, just by feeling their partner (1 min).
- They turn around, look at each other, say thank you with a smile, and get up slowly (1 min).
Rules
- Back to back, no pushing.
- I breathe slowly and quietly.
- I feel my partner and wait for them.
- If I don't like it, I tell the teacher.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, it works better with the teacher or a big stuffed animal at their back, just feeling the movement.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, in pairs, breathing together when the teacher counts.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, in groups of three with backs touching in a triangle.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child sits in the wheelchair and a standing partner rests a hand on their back.
- Autism or touch sensitivity: the child can lean against a wall or cushion and feel their own tummy with their hands.
- Hearing impairment: it's a touch-based game; the teacher gives instructions with gestures before starting.
Learning goals
- Breathe slowly and mindfully.
- Sync up with a partner.
- End the lesson with a shared moment of calm.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Music
Teacher tip
Make the pairs yourself, matching similar sizes. Three-year-olds find it hard to sit still back to back; 4 or 5 minutes is plenty and it's fine if someone lies down.
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