Lungs and Respiratory System Activities for Kids

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about the lungs, breathing and the respiratory system. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Lungs topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About the Lungs

Explain to your children that their lungs are like balloons. During inhalation, the lungs get filled with air and expand. During exhalation, the lungs contract, or get smaller, and push out carbon dioxide. Have your children blow up balloons to model the lungs. Discuss with your students about how their chests and lungs feel when they are sick. Would it be harder to blow up a balloon if they had a cold? Why?

Doctor’s Visit

If possible, invite a doctor or a pulmonary specialist to talk to your students about lungs and the human body. Some doctors or specialists can bring in models of human lungs so your students can see all the different parts and more specific details of the lungs. You may want the doctor or specialist to bring in chest x-rays to show to the students as well. To prepare your students, have them brainstorm different questions to ask the doctor.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About the Lungs

Exercise Routine

To promote health and happy lungs, create an exercise plan for you and your child. Doctors recommend that people exercise 3-4 times a week. Remind your child that exercise helps lungs become stronger so they are better at their jobs. Pick different aerobic and cardiovascular activities, such as jump-roping, soccer, or dancing. Encourage your child to try different activities and sports.

Focus on Breathing

Have your child sit quietly and focus on his or her breathing. Does the inhalation sound as long as the exhalation? Does the breath sound shaky? Does your child inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth or vice versa? Try different breathing exercises together. Your child can inhale, hold the breath for three seconds, and then exhale. Your child can also inhale, exhale, and then wait for three seconds before inhaling again. Find different ways your child can change her breath. These techniques can also be used to help your child relax.