This visual breathing worksheet uses a hand-shaped mountain illustration to guide children through a simple breathing exercise. When big emotions like stress or anger take over, kids can trace the mountain peaks while breathing in and out to calm their mind and body.
How It Works
The worksheet features a hand print with mountain peaks at each fingertip. Children trace up the side of each finger while breathing in, and trace down the other side while breathing out. This combines tactile movement with controlled breathing — two powerful calming techniques in one simple activity.
When to Use It
Mountain breathing is especially helpful when big emotions take over. Use it when your child is feeling:
- Stressed or overwhelmed
- Angry or frustrated
- Anxious or worried
- Overstimulated or having trouble calming down
The physical act of tracing the hand gives children something concrete to focus on, making it easier to slow down and regulate their breathing even in moments of high emotion.
Tips for Parents and Therapists
- Practice mountain breathing during calm moments first, so it becomes familiar before it's needed in a crisis.
- Encourage slow, deep breaths — breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth.
- This technique works well paired with other calming activities like the Mindful Breathing worksheet.
Who Is This Worksheet For?
Mountain breathing is designed for children ages 4–12 and works well in therapy sessions, classrooms, and at home. It's a go-to tool for calm-down kits and emotional regulation toolboxes.