$5.97
Printable calming breathing poster for kids ages 5-8: 4 finger-trace breathing shapes that pace a slow belly breath with a longer out-breath — an instant-download PDF you print at home or in the classroom. Most kids’ breathing posters show a pretty shape to trace but skip the part that actually calms the body. Pip’s Trace & Breathe builds the breath mechanics right into each shape’s path: a short breath in, a tiny hold, and a long slow breath out — because a slower, longer out-breath is what helps a young body settle.
Your child places a fingertip on a shape and traces it slowly — breathing into their belly like a balloon, then letting the out-breath stretch along the longest part of the line. No counting required (the path sets the pace), so it works even for a 5-year-old who is too upset to read.
What it does: finger-tracing gives an overwhelmed child one simple thing to do with their hands while the shape paces a diaphragmatic (belly) breath. The long out-breath is the calming part — it’s what settles a racing heart and a tight tummy so big feelings don’t take over.
- A “when my body feels big and fast” center cue — racing heart, tight tummy → pick a shape → trace slow.
- Four traceable breathing shapes — Balloon Belly, Star, Rainbow, and Figure-8 — each with clear in / hold / out labels along the line (no counting needed) and the out-breath as the longest segment.
- Belly breathing + a longer out-breath — the calming mechanics generic shape-sets leave out.
What you get (6 printable pages): the main hangable breathing poster · a For Grown-Ups how-to (run it in about 5 minutes) · a shapes-up-close page with a worked traced example · a pocket cut-out mini version for the car or backpack · a print & size guide (A4 vs US Letter) · a parent note with when-to-seek-help guidance. Instant digital download — print it as many times as you like for your family or classroom.
Frequently asked
What is it? A printable breathing poster — one hangable main poster plus five support pages — that uses finger-tracing to pace a slow belly breath for kids ages 5-8, so they can calm their body before big feelings take over.
What age is it for? Designed for ages 5-8. The shapes and the “no counting” pacing suit emergent readers; older kids and a whole classroom can use the same poster.
What do I get? A 6-page instant-download PDF in both US Letter and A4, ready to print at home. No physical item ships. Print unlimited copies for your own family or single classroom.
How do I use it? Hang it in a calm down corner at home, a school counselor office, or a classroom calm spot. When a child feels overwhelmed, they pick a shape and trace it slowly a few times until the out-breaths slow their body down.
Warm pastel Scandi design, made to respect a young child. Prints clean on A4 and US Letter. PhD Made.
Built on published CBT research.
This poster supports a child’s calm-down and self-regulation skills and complements, but is not a substitute for, therapy or medical care. If big feelings or body symptoms are intense most days or get in the way of school, friends, or sleep, please talk to a doctor or a mental-health professional.*