Breathing Techniques to Calm

Visual guides for breathing techniques to help students self-regulate.

When to use: 

1. Use as part of a self-management system. 
2. Use to help focus. Use to help de-escalate. 

Tips: 

• If you have a break or cool down area in your classroom, try posting the visuals there. 
• Provide visuals to the home environment as well. 

How to teach: 

• Show the student a calming breathing visual at a time when they are not upset. 
• Model using the visual by tracing the path with your finger and following the instructions for inhaling and exhaling. 
• Ask the student to practice using the visual, helping them move their finger along the path as needed. 
• Explain how deep, slow breaths can send a message to the brain that helps the body relax, calm their mind, and facilitate emotional regulation. 
• Tell them that this is something they can do quietly at any time during the day. 

Variations: 

• Breathing Square
• Lazy 8