Breathe While the Sand Falls

Lying or sitting around the sand timer, children breathe slowly and relax while the sand falls, moving only when it runs out. It works on calm, breathing and waiting.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, the teacher flips the timer and we watch the sand fall in silence: that's how slowly we'll breathe (1 min).
2. While the sand falls, breathe like a balloon: fill your belly with air and let it out slowly (1 min).
3. Lie on your back: while the sand falls, stay very still and floppy; when it ends, wiggle just your fingers (1 min).
4. Flip the timer again, eyes closed; the teacher says “now” when it ends and we stretch like cats (1 min).
5. Sit up slowly and say in one word how your body feels now (1 min).

Rules

• While the sand falls, I stay still.
• I breathe slowly through my nose.
• I move when the sand runs out.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: relaxes in the wheelchair or on a supported mat, with the timer in view.
• Autism: the sand timer gives a clear length of time; let them hold it with the teacher.
• Visual impairment: the teacher places the child's hand on their belly to feel the breath and gives a gentle tap when the sand runs out.

Learning goals

• Bring the heart rate down after activity.
• Control breathing.
• Stay still for a set amount of time.

Equipment for a class of 25

• 1-minute plastic sand timer: 1

Teacher tip

Dim the lights if you can and speak very softly. Kids tend to turn to look at friends, so ask them to watch only the sand.

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