Ayo’s 5-Finger Breathing Pages

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A calm, step-by-step breathing guide for children 

When children’s feelings feel big, words often aren’t enough.

Ayo’s 5-Finger Breathing Pages offer children a gentle, visual way to slow down, breathe, and feel safe again — one page, one breath at a time.

This carefully structured set of pages guides children through the 5-Finger Breathing technique using clear illustrations, minimal language, and a consistent, calming visual rhythm. Children trace each finger while breathing slowly in and out, helping their nervous system settle and their body return to a calmer state.

Unlike busy worksheets or overly verbal strategies, these pages are designed to reduce cognitive load, making them especially effective for children who struggle when emotions are high.

Why These Pages Work

Each page focuses on one small step of the breathing process. This:

• supports children who need structure and predictability

• helps children stay present without rushing

• allows adults to guide calmly without over-talking

• encourages independent use over time

The sequence gently moves the child from engagement → breathing → regulation → completion, ending in a grounded, settled state rather than excitement or praise-based arousal.

Designed With Children’s Nervous Systems in Mind

These pages are:

• trauma-informed

• SEN and neurodivergent-friendly

• suitable for early years and primary-aged children

• designed to be used before escalation, not as punishment

They are not a behaviour management tool.
They are a regulation and co-regulation resource.

How to Use the Pages

• Use as a guided breathing routine with one child or a small group

• Place in a calm corner, regulation area, or wellbeing space

• Use preventatively during transitions, mornings, or after play

• Allow children to move through the pages at their own pace

• Revisit regularly so the skill becomes familiar and safe

Children do not need to “get it right”. The goal is slowing down, not perfect breathing.

What’s Included

• A full set of Ayo’s 5-Finger Breathing Pages

• Step-by-step visual guidance using Ayo

• Child-friendly, reassuring prompts

• A consistent colour palette and illustration style throughout

Format

• Digital download (PDF)

• High-resolution, print-ready

• Designed for A4 or A5 printing

• Portrait orientation

• Suitable for:

  • binding into a small booklet

  • laminating for repeated use

  • calm corner folders or trays

Who These Pages Are For

• Parents and caregivers

• Teachers and school staff

• Therapists and practitioners

• SEN and wellbeing leads

Suitable for use at home, in classrooms, therapy rooms, and pastoral settings.

Why Choose Ayo’s 5-Finger Breathing Pages

These pages don’t rush children to “calm down”.
They gently teach the skill of calming, through repetition, safety, and trust.

Children learn:

• “I can slow my body down.”

• “I know what to do when feelings feel big.”

• “I am safe while I breathe.”

That is a lifelong skill.