# BREATHE—MOVE—LEARN

## About the Author

Marcia Lee Unnever is an Educational Trainer certified by the state of New Mexico. She is an educational innovator and the creator of Breathe—Move—Learn, which combines mindful breathing, brain-friendly classroom physical activity, and social-emotional learning for early childhood and elementary school. Since 1970, Marcia has taught thousands of preschool and elementary school children and teachers in New Mexico and California. In 2010, she founded Kids Focus, a program dedicated to helping every child and teacher feel strong, positive, healthy, and smart. Marcia is a featured TEDxABQED speaker and a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children (NMAEYC), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Marcia can be contacted at her website: www.kidsfocususa.com.

## BREATHE—MOVE—LEARN

### How and Why It Works

Breathe—Move—Learn by Kids Focus is unique! It works with the WHOLE CHILD! This program is being enjoyed by hundreds of children and teachers, from early childhood through elementary school, both online and in person in the classroom. Children love these three powerful tools:

- Mindful Breathing and Sensory Exercises
- Brain-friendly Movements
- Social-Emotional Learning

These tools support and accelerate children’s physical, mental, and emotional growth and development. Mindful breathing and sensory exercises help kids feel calmer and more alert. Brain-friendly movement helps kids wake up, focus, and get smarter. Social-emotional learning promotes happiness, kindness, and self-compassion. The combination of mindful breathing, sensory exercises, brain-friendly movement, and social-emotional learning supports the following essential skills and abilities:

- Physical Fitness
- Self-Awareness
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- Self-Management
- Focus and Concentration
- Social Awareness
- Emotional Self-Regulation
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making
- Problem-Solving
- Positive Attitude
- Growth Mindset

Results from the use of this program may vary and are not guaranteed or warranted in any way.

## The Power of Breathe/Respira

### Kids Focus Breathing and Sensory Exercises

Breathwork is powerful. The Kids Focus breathing exercises are designed to provide brain activation as well as an overall feeling of calmness, well-being, alertness, and increased focus. The benefits of simple breathing exercises are immense and instantaneous, and they are easy to do. Breathing happens right now and that’s what mindfulness is all about—simply being aware of this present moment without judgment or the need to change anything. Breathing exercises help us learn how to respond with kindness and compassion for ourselves and for others.

### Kids Focus Methods

1. **Balloon Belly Breathing/Respiración del vientre con globo** - Helps kids switch on their brains and focus.
2. **Breathe in the Flower—Blow Out the Candle/ Huele la flor— sopla la vela** - Regulates breathing through visualization.
3. **Breathe Like a Sleeping Bear/Respira como un oso dormido** - Encourages deep, relaxed breathing.

## The Power of Move/Muevete

### Kids Focus Brain-Friendly Movements

Movement is crucial for kids to enhance their brain function. Less than 2 minutes of structured physical activity in the classroom can greatly improve focus. Kids Focus movements include stretching, cross-lateral motions, and more to engage them physically and mentally.

### Add/ADHD Considerations

Structured physical activity has been shown to improve behavior, emotional control, and cognitive function in kids struggling with ADD/ADHD behavior. Kids Focus movements are designed to help kids self-regulate in the classroom.

## The Power of Learn/Aprende

### Kids Focus SEL or Your Curriculum

After breathing and moving, kids are ready and eager to learn, feeling alert, refreshed, calm, and focused. Learning encompasses any subject, and in the Kids Focus program, it particularly refers to social-emotional learning (SEL).

### Active Learning

Engaging in activities can directly increase children's engagement in learning across subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies.

## Sample Lesson Plan

- **STEP 1—Breathe/Respira**  
  Incorporate Kids Focus Breathing and Sensory Exercises.
- **STEP 2—Move/Muevete**  
  Integrate Kids Focus Brain-Friendly Movements.
- **STEP 3—Learn/Aprende**  
  Combine SEL with learning your curriculum.