Want to give your child the tools to thrive in school, at home, and in life? Try some of these captivating activities to help your child find peace and quiet. They’ll help your learners develop essential skills for managing their emotions, social well-being, and mental health. Whether it’s outside, in the classroom, or at home, these activities provide children with the tools to find peace and develop healthy coping mechanisms. As a bonus, children will be able to independently use these skills as they get older to better manage their own feelings.
In the Classroom
1. Journaling
Journaling is a fantastic routine for children to begin at any age. It gives them the opportunity to write down their feelings and life events and brings a sense of calm to them. Allow your students to pick a journal they love and then help them develop a practice of self-reflection.
Learn More: Parenting For Brain
2. Rainbow Breathing
“Breath in, Breath Out”. Teaching a variety of breathing activities helps students to independently calm themselves down; developing self-regulation strategies. Download simple breathing exercises to try out with your learners.
Learn More: OT Tool Box
3. Go Noodle
Get your student’s wiggles out with Go Noodle; a website that offers videos, games, and activities that promote movement and mindfulness for children. You can create a free account and pick an activity that releases energy, calms the body, and helps children refocus.
Learn More: GoNoodle | Get Moving
4. Mandala Drawing
Mandala coloring is calming for kids because it allows them to focus on a specific task; promoting relaxation and mindfulness. The repetitive nature of coloring mandalas can help reduce anxiety and stress while also providing a creative outlet for self-expression. Plus, the symmetry and patterns may create a sense of balance and harmony!
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
5. Soothing Music
Calming music can be great for kids as it can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and concentration. It can also provide a sense of comfort and security; helping create a peaceful environment.
Learn More: KIDZEN – Music For Kids
6. Smiling Minds
Why not help your child learn the strategy of mindfulness in the classroom? This free website offers guided meditation for children of all ages, along with lesson plans and practice materials.
Learn More: Smiling Minds
7. Water Class Plants
Create a peaceful space by having a watering can available for children to tend to the plants in the class. This is a great outlet for when children are feeling angry or frustrated.
Learn More: Reach for Montessori
8. Drink Water
Nothing is more simple than just offering students a sip of water! Water plays such an important role in how our body functions; from calming anxiety to helping with attention and focus.
Learn More: Monday Morning Moms
9. Glitter Jar
Find a space in your classroom where you can set up a “Calm Corner”. Use a glitter jar and guided calming worksheet so that students can independently calm down whenever needed. This is a brilliant way to support students’ social and emotional learning and self-control.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
At Home
10. Guided Drawing
Drawing allows children to express themselves creatively. A guided drawing session is a great way to limit a child’s need for decision-making and allow them just to relax and enjoy. Try a nice nature-inspired drawing for added relaxation.
Learn More: Art Hub for Kids
11. Listen to an Audio Book
Listening to an audiobook can help children relax and let their imaginations run wild! Consider a free website like Get Epic which offers a wide variety of audiobooks for many different ages, interests, and reading levels.
Learn More: Get Epic
12. Nature Puzzles
Solving a puzzle often brings a sense of accomplishment; providing a feeling of satisfaction and a self-esteem boost. The repetitive nature of fitting the pieces together can also provide a sense of tranquility, and promote focus, concentration, and mindfulness.
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13. Practicing Yoga
Yoga, mindfulness, and stretching can help children release tension and improve body awareness. Cosmic Kids, a YouTube channel, is a great resource to use at home. Children can pick themed yoga classes and be guided independently through their practice.
Learn More: Cosmic Kids
14. Cozy Cave
If you need a reason to build a fort then look no further! Create a cozy cave fort with pillows and blankets for bedtime to reduce stimulation. Play quiet music and turn it into a game to help kids calm down.
Learn More: Littles and Me
15. Mini Spa Day
Set up quiet music, run a hot bath, and light a candle to have a mini spa day with your child. You can get them involved by mixing an easy face mask together. Everyone needs a day to themselves sometimes!
Learn More: The Wiegand’s
16. Visualization
Visualization can help children relax and focus on positive imagery. Research shows that when children or adults imagine themselves in a calming environment, their stress levels are reduced. Guide your child through this by encouraging them to imagine a peaceful space and the senses they would experience there.
Learn More: Green Child
17. Play with Slime
Ooey gooey slime or kinetic sand can be a fun way for children to release tension and find a sense of calm. Plus, who doesn’t love smooshing it in their hands? Consider amping up the relaxation by making lavender-smelling slime.
Learn More: Natural Beach Living
18. Singing
Singing can help children find peace by providing a creative outlet for emotions, promoting deep breathing, and reducing stress through the release of endorphins. It can also be a fun and enjoyable activity that can distract from negative thoughts and feelings!
Learn More: Brisbane Kids
Head Outside
19. Nature Walk
Need a sense of calm? There’s no better place than the great outdoors! A nature walk can help kids connect with their surroundings; reducing stress and anxiety. Taking a walk in nature can also provide an opportunity for children to explore and learn about the natural world.
Learn More: Nature and Thrive
20. Look at the Clouds
Observing the clouds is a calming activity for children as it helps them focus on something other than their worries. It can also be a fun and creative way to spend time outdoors since you can search for the shapes the clouds make.
Learn More: Mother Natured
21. Nature Journaling
Grab a notebook and head outside for some simple journaling! They can reflect on their experiences in nature, notice what they see around them, and calm their thoughts. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon?
Learn More: Tales of a Mountain Mama
22. Outdoor Art
Drawing and painting are enjoyed by many kids! Why not easily mix things up and take the materials outside? These simple activities have minimal supplies and bring an immediate sense of calm.
Learn More: Tales of a Mountain Mama
23. Bird Watching
Did you ever think you might become an avid bird watcher? Whether you had pondered this hobby or thought it was a strange idea, research shows that “hearing and seeing birds can improve people’s well-being for up to eight hours”. So, get outside and start searching for hummingbirds, sparrows, and more!
Learn More: Time
24. Blow Bubbles
Blow bubbles with your child to create a fun and calm experience. Extended exhales while blowing helps to slow down the breath and release tension. Have a bubble-blowing contest or blow bubbles over your child as they lay down and watch them float!
Learn More: St. David’s Center
25. Get Moving
Release endorphins and reduce stress for your child by offering them a destination to run to. For example, they could run between two trees, to the edge of your fence, or another path near your location. Giving them a destination minimizes the need to make decisions and just run free!
Learn More: Therapy Tree
26. Go Climbing
Exercise is a wonderful way for children to channel their emotions. Whether they are feeling too energetic, nervous, or overly frustrated, climbing a tree, or rock wall, or going to a playground to climb are all great options to help calm themselves.
Learn More: The Climbing Experience
27. Nature Sensory Bin
When outside, walk with your child to find various items that could be added to a nature sensory bin. Perhaps a soft rock, a crunchy leaf, or a pine cone. Put all of these together to create a soothing, tactile experience.
Learn More: How Wee Learn
