Paper and crayons, pencils or washable markers. A large sheet can make the movement easier for younger children.
What to Say
“Would you like to draw while we notice our breathing?”
“The line can move as your breath moves.”
“There is no right shape or colour.”
“We can stop whenever you want.”
What to Do
STEP 1 Sit side by side and let your child choose a colour.
STEP 2 Place the crayon on the paper and begin with normal, comfortable breathing.
STEP 3 Invite the line to travel in one direction while breathing in and another while breathing out.
STEP 4 Continue for three or four breaths without trying to make the pattern perfect.
STEP 5 Look at the drawing together or simply put it aside.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Draw on your own sheet at the same time. Let your line follow your natural breathing so the child sees that every pattern can be different.
One-Minute Version
Make one slow line while breathing in naturally and one while breathing out. Repeat once, then stop.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Offer free drawing instead, demonstrate on your own paper or try another day. Do not correct the line or ask your child to coordinate perfectly with each breath.
Make It Your Own
Use finger drawing in the air if materials are not available.
Draw waves, roads or the movement of an imaginary animal.
For younger children, notice only whether the hand is moving quickly or slowly.
If breathing and drawing together feels difficult, draw first and notice breathing afterwards.
Your child may slow their hand, watch the line closely or become curious about the connection between movement and breathing. They may also focus mainly on the drawing, which is completely acceptable.
Use child-safe materials and supervise their use. Never ask the child to hold their breath or take unusually deep breaths. Stop if the child feels dizzy, uncomfortable or frustrated.
Drawing Your Breath, LITTLE MINDS, BIG FOCUS Teacher Training Materials and Activity Collection.
