Deep Breathing Visuals Free Printable Breathing Cards
If you’re looking for a simple way to teach kids how to calm their bodies and minds, these deep breathing visuals are the perfect tool. Download your free printable deep breathing cards at the bottom of this post and pair them with the 1-2-3 Breathe With Me song for a fun, mindful moment in the classroom, therapy room, or at home.
HOW TO USE THE DEEP BREATHING VISUALS
Print the deep breathing visuals and cut them out along the lines. Each visual card features a breathing pair:
- Smell the cupcake → Blow out the candle
- Smell the flower → Blow the dandelion
- Smell the soap → Blow the bubbles
Fold each card in half, cut apart the rows, and attach them to a popsicle stick with glue or tape.
Children can hold the stick, look at one side as they breathe in (smelling), then flip it to the other side to breathe out (blowing). This tactile, visual method helps them focus on their breath and develop calming routines they can use anytime.
REMINDER: It is important to teach this technique to children when they are in a regulated state and open to learning. These tools are not meant to be introduced during times of emotional dysregulation. Once children understand the technique, they can try using the breathing visuals as a tool during dysregulated moments.
HOW TO USE WITH THE SONG
Play the 1-2-3 Breathe With Me song and encourage children to practice breathing along with the rhythm. Have them hold their deep breathing visuals: smelling the cupcake, flower, or soap as they breathe in, and blowing out the candle, dandelion, or bubbles as they exhale. Combining music and visuals makes learning self-regulation fun, memorable, and multi-sensory.
BENEFITS OF DEEP BREATHING
Deep breathing offers powerful benefits for children:
- Helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress
- Promotes focus and attention
- Supports emotional regulation and self-control
- Encourages mindfulness and self-awareness
By adding deep breathing visuals, you make the abstract concept of calm breathing concrete and engaging for young learners.
WHEN TO USE THE DEEP BREATHING VISUALS
These breathing cards can be used during:
- Explicit teaching of deep breathing technique
- Morning routines to start the day calmly
- Transitions between activities
- Before tests or challenging tasks
- During sensory or emotional regulation breaks
- At bedtime for relaxation
They work wonderfully in classrooms, occupational therapy sessions, counseling, or even at home.
MORE CALMING TOOLS DOWNLOAD
Explore more breathing and calming tools from Your Therapy Source:
🌟 Breathing Star Printable
🐝 Bumble Bee Breathing Break
🌬️ Deep Breathing Exercises for Children
💨 Breathing Breaks Resource Pack
YOUR FREE DEEP BREATHING VISUALS HERE
Download your free deep breathing visuals below and start practicing calm, mindful breathing today!
