Try these quick warm-up ideas to allow your class to reset, calm down and feel relaxed and ready for learning:
Square breathing
- Pupils are going to draw an imaginary square in the air using their fingers. As their finger goes up the left-hand side of the square, they are going to breathe in for four beats (count along by saying “breathe in, 2, 3, 4”).
- As their finger traces along the top of the square, they should hold their breath for four beats .
- As their finger comes down the right-hand side of the square, they should breathe out for four beats.
- Finally, as their finger moves along the bottom of the square, they should do nothing for four beats. Remind the pupils that as they breathe in, their tummies should get bigger. Their tummies should go back in as they breathe out.
- Repeat this a few times by continuing to trace around the square as the pupils practise their breathing.
Gentle stretching
- Ask the pupils to stand up, with their feet shoulder width apart.
- Ask them to stretch their arms up to the ceiling, extending their fingertips and then slowly lower their arms.
- Now ask them to move their head gently from one side to the other to stretch the neck.
- Ask the pupils to roll their shoulders, first forwards, then backwards.
- Finally, ask the pupils to take a deep breath in reminding them that as they breathe in, their tummies should get bigger. Now ask them to breathe out (their tummies should go back in). Repeat these breaths four times.
Visualisation
- Ask the pupils to sit or lie down in a way that feels comfortable to them.
- Encourage them to close their eyes and regulate their breathing, leading them in a few deep breaths.
- Read the following visualisation (read slowly and with a gentle tone):
“Imagine you’re floating on a soft, fluffy cloud. It feels just like your favourite blanket. It’s warm, gentle and safe. The cloud wraps around you, giving you the perfect snuggly hug.
The air around you is calm and quiet. You can hear a little breeze whispering softly, “You are safe. You are warm. You are loved.”
Your body feels heavy and relaxed, like you’re sinking into a soft pillow. Your toes feel warm… your legs, your tummy, your arms — all the way up to your head.
If you like, imagine your cloud glowing with your favourite colour. Maybe golden, pink, green or soft blue. The colour shines gently, filling you up with calm and comfort. Imagine the colour spreading happiness and warmth all over your body.
Take one last slow breath in, filling your heart with that warm, cosy feeling...and breathe out, letting go of any little worries.
When you’re ready, imagine your cloud slowly floating back to the ground, keeping that safe, warm feeling inside you all day.”
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