The objective of these two relaxation response exercises is to give students in the classroom a chance to unwind when stressed. Both use music and even breathing.

Ages: 5+

Preparation and Materials
Have a recorded piece of music ready to play, about 5 minutes in length. I have used the music to the 'Evening Song' from the opera "Hansel and Gretel" by E. Humperdinck. Any calming music is suitable. Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' is another relaxing selection.

Two Methods

1. Lying on the floor
Clear floor space. Have students hold hands and form a circle. When music begins, children drop hands, sit, and lie on their back in place, with feet pointed into center of circle. Arms rest at their sides, feet about one foot apart, eyes closed.

Students breathe in and out evenly for the duration of the music, and remain silent and still.

When music ends students open their eyes, sit up, stand up, stretch, and go to their next activity.

2. Sitting at a desk or table
Teacher can announce it is relaxation time, or begin to play the special music that is reserved for relaxation time.

Students stop what they are doing, let their arms hang at their sides or rest on their thighs, keeping their eyes open.

Students breathe in and out evenly for the duration of the music, and remain silent and still.

When music ends students resume their activities.

Note
I have found students become conditioned to sit or lie still by using the same piece of music over a period of time.

Related link
Walking for Stress Reduction

Recommended for stress relief -

Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live essays and a dictionary of 40 hints for happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


About the author
Susan Kramer has been teaching yoga, meditation and dance to students of all ages and abilities since 1965.