One of the ways to make children connect with their breaths is to include it in games. Simple everyday games may have a component of awareness. In that way, children understand the value of presence because it immediately enhances their performance (in theory at least). Here is an example.
Have the players (kids of all ages ;)), stand on one leg, with their eyes closed. Notice that closing our eyes is one of the things we do when starting meditation. Now ask them to connect with their breath and stand for as long as possible on one leg. The person who stands the longest demonstrates presence with their bodies. The goal is not to create competition, but to use competition as a means to help hyperactive and energetic children become mindful.
