Breathing Dragon
To teach simple breathing techniques for emotional regulation through playful dragon-themed activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Practises deep breathing
- Uses breathing when prompted during upset
- Asks for 'dragon breathing'
- Shows calming after breathing
Materials
- Dragon puppets or toys
- Tissue paper for 'fire'
- Dragon story books
- Calm area
Instructions
INTRODUCING THE DRAGON: 'Our dragon friend knows a special trick. When he feels angry or worried, he takes a BIIIG breath in through his nose... and then blows his dragon fire out slowly. Shall we try?'
PRACTISING WHEN CALM: Teach breathing when children are already calm. If you only use it during distress, they won't remember. Practise regularly: 'Let's do our dragon breathing! Ready?'
MAKING IT VISIBLE: Hold tissue paper near their mouth so they can see their breath move it: 'You're blowing the dragon fire! Can you make it flutter slowly? Brilliant!'
CUEING DURING UPSET: When children are distressed, reference the dragon: 'Remember our dragon friend? Let's breathe like a dragon. Big breath in... slow fire out... well done. Again.'