Athletics & Wellness Grade 1 45 min

Slowing Down: From Fast to Slow Breaths

Let's learn how to calm our bodies after playing hard! Knowing how to slow your breathing helps your heart rest and makes you feel peaceful and ready for what's next.

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What & Why

When you run, jump, and play, your heart beats fast and you breathe quickly. This is your body working hard! It's super important to also teach your body how to slow down and relax. Taking slow, deep breaths tells your body, 'Great job playing! Now it's time to rest and recover.' This helps you feel calm and in control.
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Example 1 — The Starfish Stretch

This move helps you stretch and breathe slowly at the same time.Stand with your feet together and your arms by your sides.Breathe in slowly through your nose as you stretch your arms and legs out wide, like a big starfish!Breathe out slowly through your mouth as you bring your arms and legs back in and give yourself a gentle hug.Repeat 3 times, feeling your body slow down.
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Example 2 — The Balloon Breath

Imagine your belly is a balloon you are blowing up and letting the air out of.Sit down comfortably and place your hands on your tummy.Close your eyes if you want to.Breathe in slowly through your nose. Feel your hands rise as your tummy fills with air like a balloon.Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Feel your hands lower as the 'balloon' gets smaller.Do this 5 times.

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Sample Practice Questions

Beginner
What happens to your breathing when you run around a lot?
A.It gets faster.
B.It stops.
C.It gets slower.
D.It stays the same.
Beginner
You just finished a super fun game of tag at recess. Your heart is beating like a drum! What is the BEST thing to do next?
A.Start another game of tag right away.
B.Sit down and do some slow Balloon Breaths.
C.Hold your breath for as long as you can.
D.Drink a big bottle of juice really fast.
Beginner
In the Balloon Breath, what should your tummy do when you breathe IN?
A.Get smaller.
B.Stay the same.
C.Get bigger like a balloon.
D.Wiggle from side to side.

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