Joe Corey

Worcester State College

SOS June 2008

 

Overall Goal

1. Students will learn and participate in an activity to help decrease one’s stress level by breathing properly.

 

Objective

1. Students will be able to monitor and adjust their breathing in order to reduce stress.

 

 

Warm Up

Have students hold their breath for as long as possible

 

Materials

How to Breathe CD

CD Player

Paper and writing utensil

 

Procedure

A. Students will observe each other’s breathing for a minute or so and note observations on paper. For example: takes a breath every three seconds; breathes through mouth, tummy expands during exhalation

 

B. Students will monitor their own breathing for a minute and note observations on paper. For example: takes a breath every three seconds; breathes through mouth, tummy expands during exhalation

 

C. Share observations with class

 

D. Introduce the idea that there is a ideal way to breathe that will reduce stress

 

E. Play CD

 

F. Have students follow along with the CD

 

G. Have students listen a second time and immediately jot down observations once the breathing exercise concludes.

 

H. Ask for observations from students who noticed a difference in their breathing

 

I. Play the CD at the start of class for several consecutive days to promote good

breathing.

 

 

 

Assessment

At the end of the week, have students write a reflection in which they discuss if the breathing technique was helpful and why. Will they continue to use it? Why or why not?

 

Relativity

This activity can be applied in almost every school situation. Encourage students to practice good breathing at the start of every class, when stepping into the batter’s box, and taking the MCAS.