Lesson Plan

Breath of Confidence Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice three guided breathing techniques to manage test anxiety, improve focus, and build confidence during assessments.

Test anxiety can hinder performance and well-being. Teaching mindfulness and breathing strategies—including a guided video—equips students with practical tools to stay calm, focused, and resilient under pressure.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

12 minutes

Step 3

Discussion

8 minutes

Step 4

Activity

15 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Breath of Confidence

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s session: breathing techniques to manage test anxiety and boost focus.

Today's Objectives

Read each objective aloud and ask students if they have questions.

What Is Test Anxiety?

Explain that many students feel nervous before tests. Invite a couple of volunteers to share moments they felt anxious.

Why Breathing Helps

Describe each bullet point, linking physiology (heart rate, stress hormones) to mental focus.

Play the guided video so students can see all three techniques in action. Encourage them to follow along.

Technique 1: Square Breathing

Demonstrate drawing a square in the air as you guide counts. Encourage students to follow your finger.

Technique 2: Belly Breathing

Show hand on belly. Model inhale/exhale counts and point out how belly rises and falls.

Technique 3: 5-5 Breathing

Explain equal counts help balance mind and body. Demonstrate once, then let them try.

Let’s Practice Together

Lead the class through one full cycle of square breathing. Count out loud, encourage slow, full breaths.

Now Your Turn

Have students pair up. Circulate and offer gentle reminders on counting and posture.

What We Learned

Summarize key takeaways and invite students to name one benefit.

Reflection & Next Steps

Explain reflection board process. Give students 2–3 minutes to draw or write.

Keep Breathing!

Thank students for their participation. Encourage them to use these tools before any challenging moment.

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Script

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Discussion

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Activity

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Warm Up

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Cool Down

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Reading

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Breath of Confidence

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Morgan Hollowell

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