The Power of a 2-Minute Breathing Recess

Written By Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Fun, classroom-ready activities

Why it matters:
Young children need quick, playful ways to calm big emotions, reset energy, and improve focus. A short “breathing recess” can help them transition smoothly and feel more in control.

3 Easy Breathing Activities:

  1. Balloon Breathing – Kids place their hands on their belly, breathe in to “inflate” the balloon, then slowly let it out like a balloon deflating.

  2. Listening Ears – Close eyes, take a slow breath, and notice how many sounds they can hear in 30 seconds.

  3. Feather Breaths – Hand each child a feather or tissue. Breathe slowly to make it float gently in the air, encouraging control and focus.

💡 Classroom Tip: Use these mini breathing breaks after recess, during transitions, or when the classroom energy feels high.

Download your guide: The Power of a Two Minute Breathing Recess
🎁 Bonus! Because you’re here, I’ve included 3 extra wellness tools to support your calm, focus, and balance.

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
Previous

Wellness Check-In Questions for Team Meetings