Soft Breath, Strong Breath

With a feather on a hand or tummy, the children practice soft and strong breaths and watch their breathing. It builds breath control and helps them calm down at the end of the session.

How to play

1. We sit in a circle and each child places a feather on an open palm (1 min).
2. We blow very softly: the feather moves but doesn't fall off (1 min).
3. We breathe in through the nose and blow hard: the feather flies off and we walk to get it (2 min).
4. Lying down, we place the feather on our tummy and watch it rise and fall as we breathe (1 min).
5. One last very long breath out and the feather goes back in the box (1 min).

Rules

• Air comes in through my nose.
• I blow softly so the feather stays on.
• If my feather flies away, I walk to get it.
• Feathers don't go in my mouth.

Variations

Adaptations

• Motor-impaired: does everything seated; the feather rests on a tray on the lap.
• Autism: if lying down is uncomfortable, they can stay seated with the feather in hand.
• Visual impairment: feels the feather on the cheek or hand to notice the breath.

Learning goals

• Tell a soft breath from a strong one.
• Become aware of breathing.
• Calm down after activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plumas: 25

Teacher tip

Dim the lights if you can and speak softly. A common mistake is blowing with the whole body and getting dizzy: if someone feels dizzy, let them breathe normally for a moment.

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