Dragon Breathing: A Calming Breath Exercise for Preschool
How to Do Dragon Breathing
During this calm breathing exercise, children can feel their own "fiery breath" on the back of their hand.
- Place your hand just in front of your mouth.
- Take a big breath in through your nose.
- Hold for four seconds.
- Breathe out through your mouth slowly and make a low dragon sound: "Haaaaaahhhhhh!"
- Repeat two more times.
Why It Works
Taking intentional slow breaths signals to our bodies (and brains) that we are safe, calming us during times of stress or chaos. Even young children can learn the power of mindful breathing! A creative approach like this one makes the practice easier for them to try.
Practice these exercises many times before using them during a stressful or overwhelming situation.
When We Use It
This is Little Round Schoolhouse's autumn breathing exercise, part of our mid-autumn circle time alongside the pumpkin fingerplay and our autumn songs and verses.
More Circle Time Resources
- Pumpkin Fingerplay (Rilla & Billa) — for autumn
- Jack Frost Poem — for winter
- Green Grass Grew All Around — for spring
Free Seasonal Sampler
Love this approach to rhythm and storytelling? Download our free Storytime Seasonal Sampler and experience the gentle rhythm our program provides families like yours. No credit card required.
