It encourages relaxation, spatial awareness, and healthy voice use while creating a peaceful atmosphere in the room.
1. Talk about walking
Begin by talking briefly with the children about the sorts of people or pets you might take out for a walk.
Explain that today they are going to take their breath for a walk.
2. Find a space
Ask each child to find their own space in the room and stand comfortably.
Remind them to be aware of others and stay safe in the space.
3. Settle the breath
Guide them slowly and calmly and ask them to breathe out all the air in their lungs, then take a gentle breath in.
4. Walk with the breath
As they breathe out, ask them to begin walking in any direction, watching out for other children and changing direction if needed.
When the breath ends, they stop, breathe in again, then set off in a new direction.
5. Keep it relaxed
Remind the children that the breath should feel easy and relaxed, not pushed or forced.
Encourage calm, steady movement as they travel through the space.
6. Add and grow the voice
After a couple of minutes, invite them to add a quiet hum or low growl as they walk, keeping the sound soft and gentle.
Gradually encourage the sound to grow slightly louder as their voice warms up.
Then open the sound into "aaah", "oooh", or "eeee" shapes.
7. Listen and explore
Encourage children to listen to each other, tuning into the different voices around the room while continuing to move carefully through the space.
Throughout the exercise, remind the children that the focus is on walking with the breath and being kind to their voice.
This activity should feel unhurried and soothing. Use a calm voice and allow plenty of time between instructions. Reinforce that louder is not better and that warming the voice gently is essential. This exercise works particularly well at the start of a session or after high-energy activities, helping children reset, regulate and reconnect with their breathing and voice.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
