Feather breathing races

Children blow feathers along a track on the table and through a straw to practise a long, calm breath out.

Steps

1. The teacher sticks simple tracks with a finish line on the tables with masking tape.
2. Warm-up first: breathe in through the nose into the tummy without lifting the shoulders, then a long breath out through the mouth.
3. In pairs, children blow a feather along the track with pursed lips. Who reaches the finish with the fewest blows?
4. Then they do the same track blowing through a straw.
5. Finally the feather flies above the hand: the child blows gently from below to keep it in the air as long as possible.

Tip: Make sure children don't puff out their cheeks or bite the straw. Take a break after a few strong blows so nobody gets dizzy.

Materials needed

• Coloured craft feathers (3 per child)
• Paper straws (1 per child)
• Masking tape (1 roll)