5210 – Star Hand Relaxation Activity

5210 A Way of Life is an initiative that promotes healthy behaviours and environments. The simple 5210 messages encourage eating well and being active every day, two important habits for good health.  The following activity supports the “Power down! No more than 2 hours of screen time each day” message of 5210 A Way of Life. It is a screen free activity that promotes a relaxation technique that can help students relax before bed to improve quality of sleep.

*French resources included as attachments

NB Curricular Connections

Explore Your World

• Strand: Well-Being – Big Idea: Physical Health and Active Participation – Skill Descriptor: Analyze personal safety and healthy practices.
• Strand: Well-Being – Big Idea: Emotional Health and Positive Identities – Skill Descriptor:
  • Explore activities that foster enjoyment and well-being.
  • Recognize that feelings and emotions can impact well-being, relationships, and the way we engage with others.

Personal Wellness 3-5

• • Strand: Wellness – Big Idea: Healthy Lifestyle – Skill Descriptor:
    • Grade 3: Analyze personal safety and healthy practices.
    • Grade 4: Describe personal safety and healthy practices.
    • Grade 5: Assess personal safety and healthy practices.
  • Strand: Mental Fitness – Big Idea: Mental Health Strategies – Skill Descriptor:
    • Grade 3: Demonstrate self-calming strategies to regulate emotional reactions.
    • Grade 4: Identify strategies for regulating emotional reactions.
    • Grade 5: Identify strategies for seeking support for self and others.
  • Strand: Mental Fitness – Big Idea: Positive Mental Health – Skill Descriptor:
    • Grade 3: Explore the importance of talking about emotions and emotional responses.
    • Grade 4: Describe the seven primary emotions and their expression.
    • Grade 5: Identify ways to manage stress and regulate emotions.

What you’ll need:

• The 5210 A Way of Life Teachers Resource (PDF Attached)
• The 5210 A Way of Life Teacher Presentation 5210 Presentation
• Sleep Well! handout

Instructions:

• Review the 5210 A Way of Life Tool Kit (PDF Attached)
• Watch the 5210 presentation to learn more about the program.

Before you start

·         Use the Sleep Well! handout to discuss the importance of proper sleep.

·         Have students sit at their desk or on a mat on the floor.

How to play:

·         Have students spread one hand out in front of them like a star.

·         Use the index finger of the other hand to trace the outline of your star hand.

·         Take a deep breath in as you move to the top of your thumb.

·         Breathe out as you move down between your thumb and first finger.

·         Take another breath in as you move to the top of your first finger.

·         Breathe out as you move down between your first and second finger.

·         Repeat until you have taken five slow, deep breaths.

·         If desired, repeat this exercise with the opposite hand.

·         When you’re finished guiding students through the relaxation technique, make sure they spend at least a few minutes in quiet, encouraging them to keep their breathing slow and steady.

Activity downloaded from website: www.5210.ca

Reflection Activity

Please see the attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect upon today’s activity.

Global Competencies

1. SelfAwareness.pdf (gnb.ca)
2. CriticalThinking.pdf (gnb.ca)