BREATHE-MOVE-LEARN With YOUNG CHILDREN

Introduction

Activities in Mindfulness, Brain-Friendly Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning by Marcia Lee Unnever
Educational Trainer, New Mexico

Overview

Breathe—Move—Learn is a unique program that benefits children by integrating three powerful tools:

• Mindful Breathing and Sensory Exercises
• Brain-Friendly Movements
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

These tools help support children’s physical, mental, and emotional growth.

The Power of Breathe/Respira

Kids Focus Breathing and Sensory Exercises

Breathwork aids brain activation and promotes calmness, well-being, and increased focus. Breathing exercises introduce mindfulness to children, helping them become aware of their feelings, thoughts, and sensations. This mindfulness encourages kindness and compassion.

Breathing Exercises:

1. Balloon Belly Breathing
2. Breathe in the Flower—Blow Out the Candle
3. Breathe Like a Sleeping Bear
4. Breathe Through the O
5. Buzz Like a Bee—Hiss Like a Snake
6. Count to 5
7. Scoop the Air and Push Up
8. Slider
9. Trace Your Fingers
10. Hearing—Listen to My Bicycle Horn
11. Seeing—Find Something Green
12. Smelling—Smell the Flower or the Orange
13. Tasting—Taste Your Favorite Ice Cream
14. Touching—Clap Your Hands
15. Countdown—All 5 Senses

The Power of Move/Muevete

Kids Focus Brain-Friendly Movements

Structured physical activity enhances brain function and resiliency. Even brief physical activity helps improve focus. Examples include stretching, cross-lateral movement, and dancing.

Movement Activities:

1. Healthy Taps
2. Wake-Up Taps
3. Stretch in All Directions
4. Cross Lifts
5. Marching

The Power of Learn/Aprende

Kids Focus SEL or Your Curriculum

After breathing and movement, children are ready to learn. Learning can encompass any subject. Kids Focus also includes 33 SEL lesson topics.

SEL Topics:

1. Three Good Things
2. Anger Burst
3. Build Our Community
4. Caring for Animals
5. Change
6. Connected to Nature
7. Cozy Cave
8. Fish Pond of Feelings
9. Friends
10. Gifts From Earth, Sky, and Ocean
11. Gratitude—The Glad Tree
12. Healthy Brain and Body
13. Just Like Me Inside
14. Little Wonders
15. New Eyes
16. Peaceful Forest
17. Plant a New Thought
18. Quiet
19. Socks
20. Think Kindness
21. Worry Channel
22. Your Inner Wisdom—The Tortoise
23. Zoo Mind

About the Author

Marcia Lee Unnever is an Educational Trainer in New Mexico and the creator of Breathe—Move—Learn. With years of experience, Marcia advocates for children’s social-emotional well-being through innovative learning strategies.

How To Use in Your Classroom

The Breathe—Move—Learn methods can be incorporated into daily classroom routines.

• 15-30 Minutes Daily: Start or end the day with breathing and movement exercises to set a positive tone.
• Quick Brain Power Boost: Use breathing or movement as a brain power boost in just 3 minutes when kids are distracted.

Conclusion

Breathe—Move—Learn offers essential activities for childhood development, supporting mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and mental resilience. Incorporating these practices encourages a more engaged and emotionally balanced learning environment.