When tempers fly in the classroom, it’s important to take things seriously, and diffuse the situation. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the best mindfulness activities for kids to keep them calm. 

But here’s the thing, not only are you the coolest counselor in school, but you’re also going to start helping your students learn how to become more mindful before they become upset.

Teaching mindfulness to youngsters is becoming more and more important, especially for teachers and school counselors. 

So here’s my secret mindfulness activities for kids in the classroom…that work like a charm:

 

1. Bubble Breathing Mindfulness Activity for Kids

When anger takes over, their attention is focused on what made them angry.  Helping kids refocus their energy can bring them back to the present moment, and let go of the feelings upsetting them.

Here’s how it works:

1. First, ask the student to breathe slowly and count their breaths. 
2. Tell them to put their hands on their tummy and feel the breath entering and leaving their bodies. 
3. If possible, guide your students to breath in through their nose and out through their mouth. 

Here’s where you can add some play to this mindfulness exercise for kids:

If you have very young students, blowing bubbles can be a way to teach them to breathe slowly and calmly. Slow breathing is what makes for the perfect bubble and, as we all know, angry fast-breathing pops the bubble before it even gets to float. 

So always have a bottle of bubbles on hand and ready to go.

This method is relaxing, grounding, and any young student can benefit from learning this mindfulness activity when they are angry. 

 

2. Sensational Supper Mindfulness Activity for Kids

When a child becomes angry he or she has a tendency to become removed from their current environment and get stuck in their minds. They focus only on what’s upsetting them and have a hard time coming back to the present moment. 

Like bubble breathing, sensational supper is a way to teach children to focus on their senses and give them a mindful moment. 

Here’s what to do:

1. Ask the child to close their eyes and picture the best supper they’ve ever had in their entire life. 
2. Ask them what they see, smell, feel, hear, and taste. 
3. Encourage them to describe the food visually, the warmth of the room, the taste of the food, and the sounds around them.

This activity promotes grounding. It brings the child back to the present moment, and prompts bodily awareness.

3. Take A Walk on the Wild Side

Sometimes, we all just need to walk away from what’s bothering us. A few minutes outside or in nature can calm kiddos down quickly.

If you have a classroom helper, take the time to remove the child from the situation. And then ask them to talk about what they’re feeling.

If time allows, teach the child how to practice bubble breathing or sensational supper. Remind them that they can do these mindfulness games whenever they get upset. 

4. Check Yourself

It goes without saying that it’s important for you, as the counselor, to remain calm. When tempers are flaring and kids are screaming, it can be hard to calm your own anxieties and anger. 

The truth is, your students look up to you for guidance, and if you’re calm and endearing, it will trickle down into their young souls as well. 

So speak calmly, move deliberately, and soften your facial expressions. The calming vibes you give off will teach students how to react in stressful, angering situations now and in the future. 

Finally, here’s some additional tips for helping students regulate emotions in the classroom.

• Create a calm down corner for self-regulation in the classroom.
• Create Social Emotional Workbooks for students to work on during down times.
• Use crafts like anger coping flipbooks or interactive brochures for students to take home for future reference.

I hope you found some helpful tips to help students when those angry moments pop up in the classroom. Find me on Instagram if you have further questions or want to chat about these strategies.