mindful Monday

Sometimes younger students may act out when they feel dysregulated and don't know what to do with those big feelings. However, mid-meltdown is NOT the time to introduce breathing exercises. They won't hear you and soon you may feel yourself spiraling to regain control.
Teaching breathing exercises during calm, regulated times will teach students that it is normal to feel this way and what they can do about it. Teaching students breathing techniques opens dialogue to help them to be able to give words to those big feelings and how it makes them feel inside. 
The five finger breathing technique shown in the picture above is so beneficial for students to learn because it can be done anywhere at anytime and no one has to know that they need a moment to calm themselves down. They can put their hands in their lap and breathe away without drawing attention to the situation.
There are many types of breathing exercises and they aren't just for children!