I'm a Little Teapot

This breathing activity is perfect for regulating the breath and balancing the oxygen levels in the body for optimal health.  This breathing exercise also promotes relaxation in a fun, playful, imaginative way. 

The goal of this activity is to make the exhale twice as long as the inhale.  Also, to allow the in-breath to naturally expand. 

Instructions:

1. We are going to play a game called “I’m a Little Teapot”.  You get to pretend that you are teapot and I get to see your steam.  Are you ready?

2.  First tell me what color of tea pot you are.  Are you big or small, do you have a long or a short spout?  Can you feel the lid on top of your head?  Keep your chin up a bit and look straight ahead so that your lid doesn’t fall off!

3.  Sit up straight, it helps to sit in a chair so that your back is supported. 

4. Allow yourself to breathe in, let it come naturally, no need to force, push or take a big breath, just allow it to be natural. 

5. As you exhale, you are going to make a “shhhh” sound, like steam coming out of your teapot.  The steam from your teapot comes out long and slow.  See if you can send your steam across the room.  See how long and how loud you can make your steam. 

Ideas for Use:

Have “Tea Time” in your classroom or at home daily.  Tea time can be the code words for relaxation time.  You can play “I’m a Little Teapot”, draw or artistically create your teapots and share the designs, and then drink some relaxing chamomile or herbal tea.  This is a great time to pause, connect and celebrate relaxation at home or at school. 

–©2007 Jennifer Jazwierska, All Rights Reserved.