Calming Breaths Lesson Plan Calming Breaths
Lesson Plan • 1st Grade
Total Time
15 Minutes
Objective
Students will learn a simple breathing exercise with positive affirmations to help manage anxious thoughts, improving self-regulation and emotional awareness.
Why It Matters
This lesson empowers young learners by equipping them with practical anxiety coping strategies, fostering a calm and positive classroom environment.
Preparation
1 Review the Calming Breaths lesson plan thoroughly.
2 Prepare the Affirmation Cards slide deck for easy display.
3 Organize the structure for the Breath & Believe Exercise activity.
Materials
Affirmation Cards Slides
Breath & Believe Activity
Affirmation Art Paper
Instructional Sequence
Introduction & Warm-Up
3 mins
• Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of deep breathing.
• Briefly explain the purpose of positive affirmations.
• Show the Affirmation Cards to capture their interest.
Guided Calming Breath Exercise
5 mins
• Follow the steps for a structured breathing exercise: inhale slowly through the nose, exhale through the mouth.
• Encourage students to follow along and focus on their breath.
• Ask them to repeat a simple positive phrase after each deep breath.
Practice with Affirmations
2 mins
• Engage students with the Breath & Believe Exercise , integrating affirmations with each breath.
• Model the exercise and invite volunteers to lead a breath and affirmation round.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
2 mins
• Ask students how they felt during the exercise.
• Reinforce that these techniques help manage anxiety or nervousness in daily life.
• Provide positive feedback and encourage regular practice.
Affirmation Cards Slides Breathe & Believe
Your Pocket Guide to Inner Peace
I am calm
"I can handle my feelings."
Teacher Note: Introduce these affirmation cards to help students feel calm and confident. Use simple language and encourage the students to repeat the affirmations with a positive tone.
I am strong
"I have the power to be brave."
Teacher Note: Prompt students to consider how these positive statements can empower them. Ask them to visualize the affirmation as they breathe.
I am safe
"I am surrounded by love and support."
Teacher Note: Highlight the connection between deep breathing and feeling safe. Encourage the students to make the affirmation their own.
I believe in me
"Every breath brings confidence."
Teacher Note: Close the affirmation cards session by reinforcing that these positive statements are tools they can use anytime. Allow a moment for reflection.
Breath & Believe Activity Breath & Believe Exercise
Combining deep breaths with powerful words
"Welcome to the Breath & Believe Exercise! This activity is designed to help you combine deep breathing with positive affirmations, giving you a practical tool to manage any anxious feelings."
01
Introduction
• Gather students in a circle.
• Explain that today's activity will help them feel calm and confident using breaths and positive words.
• Remind them that everyone's voice is important.
02
Demonstration
• Model the technique: Inhale slowly through the nose, hold, and exhale through the mouth.
• Show an Affirmation Card and read it aloud as you breathe.
• Repeat one affirmation with each breath.
03
Guided Practice
Lead the students through the exercise by prompting them to breathe in sync with you. Remind them to focus on the word or phrase given.
"Who would like to share a positive affirmation they can say as you all breathe together?"
Encourage volunteers to lead a round. Each student can choose a card or create their own simple phrase.
04
Partner Practice
Pair students up. Let one student lead a breath and affirmation round while the other follows. After one minute, swap roles.
Builds leadership & confidence.
05
Reflection
• How did the exercise make you feel?
• Which affirmation made you feel the strongest?
• When might you use this in your day?
Tips for Teachers
• Encourage participation with praise and reinforcement.
• If a student is shy, gently invite them without forcing.
• Use a calm tone and slow pace to model behavior.
• Regular practice makes this a natural response.
Affirmation Art Activity Affirmation Art
Draw your favorite positive thought!
Name:
Date:
Pick Your Power Word
Think about the affirmations we learned today. Which one makes you feel the most strong, calm, or happy? Write it in the box below, then draw a picture of what that feeling looks like to you!
My Affirmation:
Write your affirmation here...
My Masterpiece:
How did creating your art make you feel?
Happy
Calm
Strong
Breathing Buddies Activity Breathing Buddies
Supporting each other makes our calm even stronger!
Better Together
In this activity, you'll pair up with a classmate to practice breathing together. This helps you feel calm while creating teamwork and support!
1
Partner Practice
• Find a partner and face each other (sit or stand).
• Partner 1 leads: Inhale slowly through the nose, exhale gently through the mouth.
• Partner 2 mirrors the movement exactly.
• Switch roles after 3 rounds!
2
Add Affirmations
• Pick a favorite affirmation from our cards.
• Speak softly and listen carefully to your partner.
• Feel the positive energy help you both stay relaxed.
Buddy Reflection
Did having a partner make you feel more at ease?
What did you like about helping your partner?
How can you use this when you feel anxious?
Teacher Guidance
Ensure all students are comfortable; allow shy students to work with a friend or you.
Monitor pairs to maintain a slow, steady breathing pace. Reinforce the power of support.