Belly breathing buddies: a 5-minute preschool calm-down routine
What it is: a short calm-down routine for preschool. Students lie on their backs with a small stuffed animal on their belly and watch it rise and fall as they breathe slowly. It gives them a tool they can use when they feel upset.
Time: about 5 minutes. Grade: Pre-K (ages 4 to 5).
Materials: one small soft toy or a folded washcloth per student, and a quiet space with mats or a rug.
- Explain: "When our bodies feel too fast, slow breaths help us feel calm."
- Students lie on their backs and put their buddy on their belly.
- Breathe in through the nose while you count to 3. The buddy goes up.
- Breathe out slowly through the mouth while you count to 4. The buddy goes down.
- Repeat 5 times. Say quietly: "Up... and down."
- Sit up slowly. Ask: "How does your body feel now?" Practice daily so students can use it on their own.
Differentiation: students who do not want to lie down can sit and put the buddy on their lap with a hand on top. Students who are ready can lead the counting. Students who are sensitive to touch can use a picture of a balloon to watch instead.
Quick check: later in the day, ask a student to show you belly breathing with their hand on their belly.
For more ideas at this grade, browse the other free activities on the Hub.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Life skills & money
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.