Students will use their breath to help self-regulate their emotions and become focused.

","materials","

A balloon, an image of a balloon, or a video of a balloon being blown up and the air being let out.

","preparation","

Familiarize yourself with this activity.

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Students can stand, sit on the floor, or in a chair.
First, tell students you are going to demonstrate air moving into and out of a balloon. Tell students to watch closely as you demonstrate inflating a balloon and showing what it looks like when filled with air. Then, slowly allow the air to release from the balloon. If using images or video instead of a balloon, show students the big balloon being inflated and expanding, and then being deflated when the air releases.
Explain that we can also do that with our own stomachs/bellies as we breathe.
Show students by demonstrating with your own breath and belly.
It is useful to speak softly and slowly when facilitating this activity. Ask students to join you.
- Say, “Listen to my voice and follow my lead.”
- Say, “Inhale, breathe in, and think about a big red balloon filling up.”
- Say, “Now exhale and slowly let all the air out, like a balloon losing its air.”
Repeat this five times, each time using a different color (red, green, yellow, purple, blue, pink, etc.) balloon as an image for students to think about while they are following you.
Ask students to describe the difference they feel using the different colored balloons with their imagination.
Ask students if they feel a difference in their bodies then when they first walked in. If so, ask them how and why that can be helpful during any stressful time.
*If a student displays interruptive behaviors, appears to be withdrawing/isolating multiple times, or seems to respond differently than usual to activities, acknowledge their feelings privately. If this is a recurring behavior or you have concerns with something you observe, it might be something to share with a supervisor.

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This playlist of opening and closing activities encourages youth to explore their big and small emotions while sharing positive thoughts about themselves and their friends. The opening activities offer simple strategies to help them feel calm and prepared for the day, gently setting the stage for a strong and centered start. Closing activities invite students to reflect on moments of kindness, connection, and courage through song, movement, gratitude, and reflection. Whether mimicking animals, writing thank-you notes, or sharing songs from home, they’ll consider what made them feel seen, strong, or calm. Each experience helps them carry something positive forward until they gather again next time!

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Get Centered!

Get Centered!

Get Centered!

Overview