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Ember's Dragon Breath: A Breathing Ritual for the Classroom The Play Cure SEL Curriculum | Grades TK–1 | Happier Hour® Method for Kids | Created by Robin Engelman, Ph.D., Psychologist
Young children feel big emotions in their bodies first, and most of them have no idea what to do with that heat before it comes out. This lesson gives them something concrete, physical, and repeatable to practice every day until their bodies remember it automatically.
One 25–30 minute lesson introduces Ember, a small orange dragon whose fire comes out before she means it to, and Sage, the wise silver dragon who teaches her that her fire isn't the problem. Her fire is her power. She just needs to learn to breathe it. After the core lesson, a 1–3 minute daily classroom ritual keeps the practice alive, and within two to four weeks most students begin using Dragon Breath independently before a teacher even prompts them.
"The kids love Ember. This is a great way to teach breath-work to this age group." — Private School TK Teacher
The breathing technique itself, a four-count inhale and eight-count exhale, is physiologically appropriate for young children and begins activating the parasympathetic nervous system within a single session. The song, sung to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It," carries the five steps through melody so students remember the sequence without needing to hold it in memory.
Everything included:
Full illustrated story: Ember's Dragon Breath
Complete lesson plan with scripted teacher language and slide cues
Dragon Breath Anchor Chart/Poster
Ember Feelings Check-In Poster (12 emotions)
What Might Help Regulation Poster
Dragon Breath Song with actions
Daily Ritual Script
Implementation Timeline (weeks 1–4)
Teacher tips and differentiation guidance for IEPs, sensory needs, and ADHD
Slide Deck Reference Guide
Foldable Take-Home Practice Card with parent letter
No prep needed. Everything is included.
CASEL-aligned to Self-Awareness and Self-Management. Designed for TK–1 and part of The Play Cure SEL Curriculum by Robin Engelman, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience teaching emotional regulation to kids and adults.
Ember's Dragon Breath: A Breathing Ritual for the Classroom The Play Cure SEL Curriculum | Grades TK–1 | Happier Hour® Method for Kids | Created by Robin Engelman, Ph.D., Psychologist
Young children feel big emotions in their bodies first, and most of them have no idea what to do with that heat before it comes out. This lesson gives them something concrete, physical, and repeatable to practice every day until their bodies remember it automatically.
One 25–30 minute lesson introduces Ember, a small orange dragon whose fire comes out before she means it to, and Sage, the wise silver dragon who teaches her that her fire isn't the problem. Her fire is her power. She just needs to learn to breathe it. After the core lesson, a 1–3 minute daily classroom ritual keeps the practice alive, and within two to four weeks most students begin using Dragon Breath independently before a teacher even prompts them.
"The kids love Ember. This is a great way to teach breath-work to this age group." — Private School TK Teacher
The breathing technique itself, a four-count inhale and eight-count exhale, is physiologically appropriate for young children and begins activating the parasympathetic nervous system within a single session. The song, sung to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It," carries the five steps through melody so students remember the sequence without needing to hold it in memory.
Everything included:
Full illustrated story: Ember's Dragon Breath
Complete lesson plan with scripted teacher language and slide cues
Dragon Breath Anchor Chart/Poster
Ember Feelings Check-In Poster (12 emotions)
What Might Help Regulation Poster
Dragon Breath Song with actions
Daily Ritual Script
Implementation Timeline (weeks 1–4)
Teacher tips and differentiation guidance for IEPs, sensory needs, and ADHD
Slide Deck Reference Guide
Foldable Take-Home Practice Card with parent letter
No prep needed. Everything is included.
CASEL-aligned to Self-Awareness and Self-Management. Designed for TK–1 and part of The Play Cure SEL Curriculum by Robin Engelman, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience teaching emotional regulation to kids and adults.