Breathing Games for Kids



Proper, steady & deep breathing makes all the difference in the way we move, think, recover, heal, & interact with others. In yoga, the breathing component is called pranayama.
When we hold or constrict the breath, we hold on to physical muscle tension, as well as mind tension & emotions that no longer serve us. When we release our breath, we also release physical tension, and emotions like fear, frustration, anger and resentment that prevent us from healthy growth, moving forward and enjoying our experiences and relationships. Yoga teaches us how to properly move and breathe together for optimum body/brain function, relaxation and to prepare the mind for extended periods of concentration.

From a sensory standpoint, breathing "into the belly" can help develop the sense of proprioception, (outer body awareness) and interoception (inner body awareness-what's going on inside of the body.) It can also be used as a tactile exercise: blowing on the hands after hand sanitizer has been used will give the skin a "cool" feeling.)

The other benefits of proper breathing are numerous. Here are just a few:

•improves oxygen flow
•Improves functioning of all body systems
•relieves congestion
•addresses muscle (and mind) spasms
•increases energy
•reduces fatigue
•enhances concentration
•eliminates toxins from the body more efficiently
•builds body awareness and self-control


The breath is a vital tool we all have with us at all times and it can be directed to self-regulate when needed. Teaching kids how to use their breath for relaxation, smooth transitions, concentration & stress management does not have to be boring. It can be very easy and fun, with a few simple props and a bit of imagination. 

*Here are some tips and ideas for 'Breathing Games' for kids:

Puff Ball Race
Photo ©2009 B.Gini

*(The following activities are designed to help teach children breath & energy control.

Remember that with bigger/stronger breath, energy will increase. With smaller/lighter breath, energy will calm.

Use "Strong/Big" breath for motor activity, & "Light/Little" Breath for calming/concentration.

Please take care that the children use their noses to breathe. The nose will warm, moisten and filter air as it goes into  the body, and it will also stimulate the appropriate receptors in the nasal cavity for energy/focus/calm. Deep

breathing should be rhythmic and taken a few breaths at a time to avoid dizziness & hyperventilation.  Keep some tissues handy when you play! )

•blow cotton balls (or colored pom-pom balls) through straws -(as in a 'snowball race' or racing over a 'goal line' )

•blow soap bubbles - teaches how to direct the breath and improves oral motor skills for language

•blow dandelion seeds off the stem or blow gently so NO seeds fly off the stem

•pretend you are blowing out one tiny little birthday candle (you can sing "Happy Birthday"-singing also helps develop breath control too!)

•pretend you are blowing out 10 BIG birthday candles...(or even 20!!)

•smell a flower or cookies baking (use real flowers or pretend. Please do not put artificial fragrance on the flowers as his can cause allergic reactions!)

•have a puff ball race (pictured above)

•hum or sing! (loudly and then softly)

•blow on wind chimes or pinwheels

•play wind instruments or kazoos

Breathing Ball
Photo ©2009 B.Gini

•breathe very quietly-(like a little lizard or a butterfly)

•use a "Breathing Ball" pictured at right  (See video here)

* Download a copy of our Breathing Ball activity here!

Breathing Ball Photo Card Download


We welcome your feedback! Tell us how you use breathing games in your classroom or therapy room by leaving a comment below!



.Contact Barbara at: barbara@bodylogique.com