Jellyfish breathing

8
AIM

Develop belly breathing for calming and relaxation to assist in the regulation of big emotions to build strong foundations for lifelong mental health.

3
BENEFIT

Children may need help to learn ways to manage big feelings. Simple strategies like breathing, movement, and quiet time can help children cope with strong emotions. These skills build resilience and support mental health over time.

WHAT YOU NEED:
  • Cardboard or paper body of jellyfish
  • Crepe paper streamers about 30cm long
  • Stapler
  • Colouring tools e.g. textas, pencils, crayons
  • Belly breathing video (adults can watch this to learn about belly breathing)

Use this part of the video as a SPARK for the activity

WHAT TO DO:
  • Set up a craft table where children can make a jelly fish.
  • Pre-cut the body of the jellyfish for young children or assist as age appropriate.
  • Children can decorate by drawing or sticking things on the jellyfish body.
  • For the tentacles, have some small strips of crepe paper that children can twist.
  • Get children to twist four or five.
  • Attach by stapling them to the body.
  • Attach a small string or piece of wool at the top so the child can hold the jellyfish in a way that the tentacles can move freely.
  • Teach children how to belly breathe- hands on tummy, breathe in through the nose and then out through the mouth.
  • Tell them to feel how their tummy gets bigger when breathing in and feel it become smaller as they breathe out.
  • Hold up the jellyfish and use belly breathing to blow the tentacles.