What these games build

The main skills are noticing and pausing: paying attention to breath, sounds or body sensations for a short time, then returning to the task. Children also learn that they can change how their body feels, for example by breathing more slowly.

Keep sessions short. Two to five minutes is plenty for younger children. Invite rather than insist; a child who prefers to sit quietly with eyes open is still taking part.

Game 1: Sound Safari

Players: any number, ages 4-11. Time: 3-5 minutes. Materials: none, or a small bell or chime.

Everyone sits comfortably. The adult rings the bell once and says, 'Let's collect sounds.' Children listen silently and count on their fingers each different sound they hear: a car, a bird, a cough, the heater. When the adult rings the bell again, children share one sound each.

• Easier (ages 4-5): listen for just one minute and name one sound.

• Harder (ages 8-11): sort the sounds into near and far, or loud and soft.

• Outdoor version: do it in the playground or a park and compare with the indoor list.

Game 2: Balloon and Statue

Players: any number, ages 4-9. Time: 5-8 minutes. Materials: space to stand, optionally a real balloon to show.

Children stand and 'blow up a balloon' with slow breaths in through the nose, arms rising over their heads. On the out-breath they let the air out slowly and let their arms float down. After three balloons, the adult calls 'Statue!' and everyone freezes and notices how their body feels: heavy, light, warm, wobbly. Repeat twice.

Easier: the adult counts the breath aloud (in for three, out for four). Harder: children lie down and do a slow body scan, moving attention from toes to head as the adult names each part.

Using it in the day

Link the games to transitions: after break, before a test, or at bedtime. The same short routine each time helps children recognise it as a signal to settle. If a group is very lively, start with a movement game and move to stillness, rather than asking for silence straight away.

Parents can use Sound Safari on a walk or a bus ride, and Balloon and Statue as part of a bedtime routine. In school, a teacher might run Balloon and Statue for three minutes after lunch every day for a fortnight, then let children take turns leading it. Leading the game gives children ownership and shows the adult which parts they have understood. If a child finds closing their eyes or lying down uncomfortable, offer a choice of position and let them watch a fixed point on the floor instead.

Key points

• Keep sessions to a few minutes and use them at regular transition points.

• Invite participation; eyes open and quiet sitting are fine.

• Present these as calming habits, not as therapy.

• Move from activity to stillness rather than demanding instant calm.

Ready-made resources

Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-130 Feelings & Friends Games.

Photos: Johnny McClung, Ian Taylor / Unsplash