Winter Social Emotional Learning
Have you noticed that during winter, kids’ bodies can feel extra wiggly, excited, tired, or dysregulated (hello, indoor recess!).
One of my favorite winter Social Emotional Learning activities is these winter-themed breathing cards. These colorful posters are simple, visual, and kid-friendly.
These cards are designed to help children reset in a way that feels playful rather than like a lecture. In this post, I’ll show you a few easy ways to use them for whole-group SEL, calm-down corners, and quick transitions.
What’s in the Winter SEL Packet?
This printable set includes winter breathing cards that students can choose from and follow. The directions in the packet are simple:
- Print the breathing cards
- Laminate them
- Let students choose a breathing exercise and follow the instructions on the card.
Inside the set you’ll find:
- Timed breathing cards that prompt students to breathe in, breathe out, and hold.
- Winter visuals like a snow-covered tree, a mitten, a snowflake, and hot cocoa.
- Two guided prompts to help calm and regulate students.
Why These Help
Breathing strategies support:
- Self-regulation (calming the body)
- Emotional awareness (noticing, “I’m feeling frustrated/excited/tired”)
- Impulse control (pausing before reacting)
- Classroom routines (resetting quickly so learning can continue)
5 Ways to Use These
- During Morning Meeting – Hold up 1 breathing card and guide the whole class through it together.
- Transitions – Choose one card and do it as a quick “brain break.”
- Calm-Down Corner – Place these in a calm down corner for kids to use when needing a break.
- Partner Practice – Use these with a partner to practice social skills.
- Whole-Class Calm Challenge: Make it a fun activity for the whole class. For example, you could challenge the class to do 3 calm breaths together before starting math.
Free Printable
If you’d like to use this printable, you can click on the button below!
Winter is the perfect time to lean into simple, low-prep SEL routines that help kids regulate their bodies and emotions without adding more to your plate. These winter breathing cards are an easy way to practice calming strategies throughout the day, whether you use them in a morning meeting, transitions, or a calm-down corner.
