MorningSunshine breathing is a playful relaxation activity, which is a great way for kids to start the morning full of energy. You’ll find both a short Sunshine Breaths guided visualisation and the Sunshine Breathing Shape exercise with a free poster. Rise and Shine!
Feel the warmth, the days begun. Rise and shine and greet the sun.
SUNSHINE BREATHS RHYME
You can support this activity with the Sunny Morning Affirmations Kit (coming soon) and a free Sunshine Breathing Poster at the end of the post.
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What is Morning Sunshine Breathing?
Morning Sunshine breathing is a playful breathing activity to start the day. It is a shape breathing activity where children can trace the spiral shape of the sun, this tracing activity great for younger children.
Using the Energising Colour of Yellow
The colour yellow is often associated with energy and warmth. This is because it is a bright and vibrant colour that is often associated with the sun.
Using bright yellow colours and the images of the sun in the activities can help children to link it with happiness and positivity, which can help them feel energised. A great way to start the day!
“We are going to try an activity called Sunshine breathing and to do this we will use the shape of the sun to practice with. We will trace the spiral sun and that will help us to focus and feel calm”
Step 2 – Spark the Imagination:
“Feel the warmth, the days begun. Rise and shine and greet the sun. Imagine that you have warm, bright sunshine surrounding you. Feel the yellow energy and your body filling with joy.”
Step 3 – Show:
Hold up a poster and demonstrate this activity before if it’s the first time trying a Sunshine Breath. Here are some prompts:
When you begin your Sunshine Breathing, place your finger at the start of the spiral.
Start by tracing your finger slowly into the centre whilst breathing in.
Pause when your finger reaches the centre.
Then Breathe out as you trace your finger back around the spiral.
Then handout a Sunshine Poster to each child.
Step 4 – Lead:
Warm up – Firstly, Lets wiggle our fingers, shake our hands and wave up to the sun.
Get Ready – Now lets sit comfortably and make sure we have space and have our poster in front of us.
Go – Lets begin by placing our finger at the start of the spiral. Then gently breathe in and trace your finger inwards to the centre. Next trace back, breathing slowly.
Repeat – Repeat these instructions and guide the children through the exercise again, then encourage children to try the exercise with out instructions.
Finish – Well done, I saw some really beautiful sunshine breathing.
Tips: Once Children have learnt the technique, they can try it on the palm of their hands.
Step 5 – Reflect:
Invite children to describe how they felt afterwards? Ask them what it was like to use a shape to follow their breath?
You can then follow this breathing activity with one of the other creative activities listed at the end of the blog post.
Use a paper plate to create a beautiful sunshine craft. It is a fun and easy activity that you can do with your children or students. Here are the steps:
I also used holographic paper for the sun’s cool glasses, but I am an 80’s kid! The sticky stuff is great.
Instructions:
Begin by colouring the entire paper plate.
Next, cut out several long, thin strips of yellow paper. These will be the sun’s rays.
Take the strips of yellow construction paper and glue them around the perimeter of the paper plate, radiating out from the center. You can overlap them slightly to create a layered effect.
Once the glue has dried, use a black marker to draw a smiling face in the center of the yellow circle. You can also add any other details you like, such as eyebrows or sunglasses.
Then add an affirmation to the back of the plate. If you’re in a group it’s a nice idea to get them to hold up their suns and then share their affirmations.
And that’s it! Your paper plate sunshine craft is complete!
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