Lesson 3: Relaxation: breathing exercises

Learning how relaxation affects the body, and breathing techniques to aid relaxation.

Before the lesson

Download classroom resources

Learning objective

  • To use breathing exercises to relax

Statutory guidance

Mental wellbeing

Pupils should know:

  • simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests.
  • that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health.

Success criteria

Cross-curricular links

Attention grabber

Main event

Differentiation

Pupils needing extra support: Might need to work as part of a guided group to remember different breathing exercises. 

Pupils working at greater depth: Should try a range of breathing exercises and describe the pros and cons of each of them.

Should describe in detail how relaxation makes them feel and how it affects the body.

Wrapping up

Assessing pupils' progress and understanding

Vocabulary

Created by:
Sarah Huggins,  
RSE & PSHE specialist
Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in education. Starting as a Primary teacher, Sarah then moved into an advisory role that covered both PSHE education and Citizenship. She delivers courses for teachers, as well as sessions for children and young…
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