🎃 Pumpkin Breathing: A Fun Fall Mindfulness Activity for Kids
Fall is the season of crisp air, crunchy leaves, cozy blankets… and pumpkins! While we decorate them, carve them, and bake them into tasty treats, pumpkins can also inspire something unexpected — a calming mindfulness activity for kids.
Introducing Pumpkin Breathing — a simple and playful way to help young children slow down, regulate big feelings, and enjoy the magic of fall.
🍁 What Is Pumpkin Breathing?
Pumpkin Breathing is a deep breathing exercise designed especially for little ones, using the shape and rhythm of a pumpkin to guide their breath. Just like tracing the curves of a pumpkin or imagining the smell of pumpkin pie, this exercise brings a sense of calm, focus, and fun to any fall day.
It’s perfect for:
Transitions during homeschool or classroom time
Winding down after a busy fall outing
A cozy bedtime routine during the cooler months
🎃 How to Teach Pumpkin Breathing
You don’t need anything fancy — just your imagination (and maybe a mini pumpkin to hold!). You can also download a pumpkin image here.
🍂 Step-by-Step:
Imagine a Big Round Pumpkin
Say: “Can you picture a big orange pumpkin in your hands?”Breathe In Slowly Through Your Nose
Pretend you're smelling a fresh pumpkin pie.
Count slowly: “1... 2... 3…”Hold for One Beat
Say: “Hold your breath like you're about to blow out a candle.”Exhale Slowly Through Your Mouth
Imagine blowing gently to cool the pie or sending leaves into the air.
Count: “1… 2… 3… 4…”Repeat 3–5 Times
Use a soft voice or turn it into a pumpkin rhyme:
“Breathe in slow, let it grow… breathe out now, nice and low!”
🍎 Fall-Themed Ways to Use Pumpkin Breathing
🧺 In the Pumpkin Patch: Pause for a few breaths before heading home.
📚 During Storytime: Use it before reading to settle in and focus.
🕯️ At Bedtime: Combine with a fall-scented diffuser and cozy blanket.
🎨 Craft Time: Pair with drawing a pumpkin face or coloring fall leaves.
🍁 During Big Emotions: Remind them to “do their pumpkin breath” when frustrated, scared, or overstimulated.
🧡 Why It Works
Mindful breathing helps kids:
Calm their nervous system
Stay grounded in the moment
Recognize and respond to big feelings with more control
And tying it to something familiar and seasonal (like a pumpkin!) makes it more engaging and memorable.
✨ Make It a Fall Tradition
Try starting your homeschool day or classroom circle time with Pumpkin Breathing throughout October and November. As your child begins to associate this calming technique with cozy, comforting fall moments, they’re building a tool they can use all year long.
From all of us at Books by Rimes — happy breathing and happy fall! 🎃📚🍁
Christi
