Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy
What’s inside...
Breathe with Me is a book designed to guide children through simple and fun breathing exercises and movements to enhance awareness, calm emotions, strengthen the body, and improve concentration. It offers practical strategies for managing emotions like anger or worry, and provides methods to boost energy and focus. The book includes various breathing practices based on yoga and mindfulness meditation that children can use in different situations, such as feeling mad, being in a new place, or having trouble sleeping.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the breathing exercises in the book make you feel?
Which breathing exercise was your favorite and why?
Can you think of a time when you could use one of these breathing techniques?
How do you think breathing helps with feeling strong, calm, and happy?
What did you learn about your breath and emotions from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, practice the breathing exercises together to create a shared experience.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each exercise, and share your own feelings to deepen the connection.
Connect the techniques from the book to real-life situations where your child or you used or could use calming breaths.
Praise your child's insights and understanding, which fosters an open and supportive environment for discussing their emotions.
Revisit the book and its techniques regularly to reinforce the positive skills and coping mechanisms.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Emotional Regulation
Explanation: Through simple breathing exercises, the book teaches children how to manage their emotions, helping them feel more in control.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize these breathing techniques in real-life situations, such as calming down during a tantrum or focusing before a test.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: The book encourages children to be present and aware of their breathing, promoting mindfulness.
Real-World Application: This practice can help children enjoy moments more fully and become more engaged in their current activities, whether at school or home.
Example Lesson: Stress Relief
Explanation: By illustrating different breathing exercises, the book provides tools for children to cope with stress and anxiety.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these techniques to soothe themselves in stressful situations such as starting at a new school or dealing with peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Building Healthy Habits
Explanation: The repetitive practice of breathing exercises fosters a routine that can lead to long-term healthy behaviors.
Real-World Application: Regularly engaging in the breathing exercises can improve overall well-being and can be a proactive approach to managing health.
Example Lesson: Boosting Concentration
Explanation: The book shows how controlled breathing helps clear the mind, enhancing the ability to concentrate.
Real-World Application: Children can use these breathing exercises to increase their focus during homework time or while learning new skills.