Lesson Summary

These calming activities are designed to help kids develop tools for managing ADHD by fostering focus and relaxation. They promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and offer practical ways to calm down in moments of overwhelm. These activities are meant to accompany our newest children's book release, Terry's Goblin: A Kid’s Guide to Befriending Your ADHD Brain and Embracing Focus.

How to Use

1. Create a Calm Environment: Designate a quiet, distraction-free space in the classroom where students can go to practice these activities. This can be a "calm corner" with visual aids for the breathing exercises and drawing materials.
2. Start with Breathing Exercises: Use 5 Finger Breathing or Star Breathing as a calming tool before transitions, after recess, or during moments of classroom stress. These exercises are simple and can be done at desks, helping students refocus without needing much space.
3. Incorporate into Daily Routines: Build mindfulness into the classroom routine. For example, start the day with a breathing exercise or have students practice gratitude reflection and drawing after lunch or during breaks.
4. Use as a Calming Strategy: When students are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, encourage them to take a break and try one of the calming exercises. This promotes self-regulation and gives students tools to manage their emotions independently.
5. Foster Creativity: Activities like Draw 3 Things You’re Grateful For and Draw to Calm can be used during quiet time, art class, or when students need a break from academic work. Provide drawing materials and allow students to express their feelings through creative outlets.
6. Reflect with Students: After completing an activity, take a few minutes to discuss with the class how they feel. This reinforces the positive effects of mindfulness and emotional awareness while building a supportive classroom environment.

By the end of this lesson, children will be able to use simple breathing and drawing exercises to help manage ADHD symptoms. Through activities like 5 Finger Breathing, Star Breathing, gratitude reflection, and calming doodles, they will develop strategies for increasing focus, reducing stress, and practicing mindfulness. These activities provide practical tools for emotional regulation, supporting kids in calming themselves during moments of overwhelm while fostering a sense of relaxation and gratitude.