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There's more to learning than sitting still

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to support children who can’t sit, focus, or manage big feelings, you’re not alone.

What if you had the tools to truly understand why children behave the way they do, and how to meet their needs in a way that actually works?

This course gives you that understanding, grounded in brain development,

sensory integration, and movement science.

Foundations are not optional. They are essential: Understanding the Pyramid of Learning

In this latest blog, Building Learning from the Ground Up, I share how the Pyramid of Learning helps us see the critical role of regulation, movement, and sensory processing, and why these must come first before academic skills can flourish.

Justine Tarrant

5 min read

Unlocking Learning Through Movement: Why Regulation Comes First

Children aren’t built to sit still before they’re regulated. And regulation isn’t something they do on their own - it happens through movement and connection. This post dives into why movement is essential for learning, how co-regulation shapes behaviour, and what you can do tomorrow to support both your children - and yourself.

Justine Tarrant

6 min read

Want to explore the research behind this approach?

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Why Movement Matters:

5 Science-backed reasons to prioritise regulation before learning

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You're an educator, support worker, or parent who wants to move beyond surface-level “behaviour management” into a place of strength-based guidance

You’re curious about sensory needs, movement strategies, and how the brain actually develops and works

You work with children and want more confidence supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical learners

You value compassion, connection, and real-world strategies - not just theory

Course Overview

Moving Minds Course Modules

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Includes;

6 self-paced modules each with module wrap up
Quick quizz for each module
Visuals, downloadable handouts, and ready to go resources
Course wrap up module for reflection
Educator-friendly tools and strategies you can use tomorrow
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FAQ

When does the course start? You’ll get full access on September 1st, 2025. You can register now with early bird pricing and bonuses.

Can I go at my own pace? Yes! It’s entirely self-paced and you’ll have lifetime access.

Is this only for kindy or early childhood? Not at all — it’s perfect for Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC), homeschool, support workers, and primary settings too.

Do I need prior knowledge of sensory processing? Nope! This course is designed to meet you where you’re at — beginner to experienced within your setting

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This isn't just a course,
it's a mindset shift

When we understand children’s behaviour through the lens of regulation, movement, and brain development, everything changes.

We stop reacting.

We start connecting.

You’re already doing meaningful work.

This course helps you do it with more confidence, compassion, and clarity.

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Meet Justine – Educator, Founder, and heart behind Kind Connections Learning. With over 20 years supporting children’s holistic development, Justine is passionate about helping educators prioritise holistic wellbeing — using the science of movement, connection, and co-regulation. Her work is grounded in theory, driven by lived experience, and always centred around relational care. Join her on this transformational journey.

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Trauma is often thought of as the external event, but in truth, it’s the internal impact that matters most. It’s the way our nervous system adapts in order to survive. It’s the tension that lingers in our body, the beliefs that shape how safe we feel, and the patterns we carry long after the moment has passed.

For educators, this understanding is essential. A child’s meltdown, withdrawal, or resistance may not be about what’s happening in the room right now, but about what their nervous system learned long ago to protect them. And for us as adults, it means our own triggers and stress responses are not signs of weakness, but evidence of the body’s wisdom trying to keep us safe.

When we shift from asking “What’s wrong with them (or me)?” to “What happened, and how did it live inside the body?” we open the door to compassion, healing, and connection.

Healing trauma is not about erasing the past, it’s about gently reclaiming safety in the present, one breath, one choice, one moment of kindness at a time.

#educatorwellbeing #gaborquote #traumainformed #teacherwellbeing #nervoussystemhealth #thebodyremembers #somatichealing #selfregulation #educatorresilience #teacherselfcare #kindconnectionslearning

Trauma is often misunderstood as the “big” events, but it’s not defined by the event itself. Trauma lives in the nervous system. It occurs when an experience overwhelms our ability to cope, leaving an imprint that lingers long after the moment has passed.

This is why two people can go through the same situation and experience it differently. Trauma isn’t just about what happened, it’s about how our body and nervous system responded in order to survive.

Trauma is stored not only in memory but also in the body, in breath patterns, posture, muscle tension, and even how safe (or unsafe) we feel in everyday life.

For educators, this reminder is vital: behaviours we see in children (and even in ourselves) are often survival responses, not intentional defiance. When we meet these responses with understanding rather than judgment, we create space for safety, healing, and connection.

Healing from trauma is possible. It begins with compassion, regulation, and remembering that the body holds the key to recovery.

#educatorwellbeing #traumainformed #teacherwellbeing #nervoussystemhealth #thebodyremembers #selfregulation #somatichealing #holisticteaching #teacherselfcare #educatorresilience #kindconnectionslearning

Long before we can put words to our experiences, our bodies carry and express them. Movement, posture, breath, and even stillness all tell stories of what we’ve lived through and how safe we feel in the present moment.

As educators, this reminder is profound: sometimes a child’s body is showing us truths their brain doesn’t yet have language for. A restless wiggle may be unmet sensory needs. A sudden shutdown may be a nervous system in overwhelm.

And for ourselves, too, our bodies often whisper before our minds catch up.
Tight shoulders, shallow breathing, fatigue… they’re invitations to pause and listen.

When we honour the body as teacher, we open pathways for safety, regulation, and healing. The brain learns best when the body feels seen, supported, and safe.

#educatorwellbeing #thebodyknows #somaticwisdom #teacherwellbeing #mindbodyconnection #nervoussystemhealth #selfregulation #embodiedteaching #teacherselfcare #educatorresilience #kindconnectionslearning

There are some things in life you can never have too much of, and somatic practices are at the top of that list.

As educators, our nervous systems are constantly “on,” holding space for the emotions, needs, and energy of so many little humans. It’s no wonder our bodies crave gentle, regulating practices that bring us back to safety and balance.

Here are 8 somatic practices you truly can’t overdo:

- Present-moment focus: anchoring yourself in the here and now.
- Body awareness: noticing where you feel tension, warmth, or calm.
- Grounded breathing: slow, steady breaths that remind your body it’s safe.
- Soft movement: swaying, stretching, or walking gently to release energy.
- Gentle touch: a hand on your heart, belly, or arms to signal comfort.
- Rest breaks: permission to pause, even if just for a minute.
- Self-compassion: speaking to yourself with the same kindness you give others.
- Sensory soothing: soft light, calming sounds, or grounding textures that ease the senses.

These practices aren’t luxuries. they’re essential ways to care for your nervous system and refill your cup. The more you weave them into your day, the more regulated, present, and resilient you become, for yourself and the children you nurture.

#educatorwellbeing #somaticpractices #teacherwellbeing #nervoussystemhealth #mindfulteacher #selfregulation #teacherselfcare #holisticteaching #embodiedliving #educatorresilience #kindconnectionslearning

So often, we rush from one task to the next, with children, with teaching, with life. But what if the most powerful gift we could offer ourselves and our learners was the pause?

An intentional pause creates space to notice: How am I feeling right now? What thoughts are driving my actions? What do I really need?

When we model this for children, we nurture metacognition, the ability to think about our thinking. And with it comes a powerful ripple effect:

- Emotional regulation grows stronger.
- Choices become more thoughtful and aligned.
- Children (and educators) learn that feelings aren’t obstacles, they’re signals that guide us.

In every pause, there’s wisdom. In every reflection, there’s growth. By teaching ourselves and children to pause, notice, and reflect, we build classrooms, and lives, filled with presence, compassion, and intention.

#educatorwellbeing #mindfulteaching #teacherwellbeing #pauseandreflect #selfregulation #emotionalintelligence #metacognition #educatorresilience #teacherselfcare #holisticteaching #kindconnectionslearning

Emotions are not problems to solve, they are waves of energy moving through us. As educators, we often carry the weight of many emotions: our own, the children’s, and sometimes even families’. Learning to flow with them, instead of against them, creates space for healing, clarity, and presence.

Here are 5 gentle steps to help you move through your emotions:

- Take a deep breath, anchor yourself in the present moment and remind your body you are safe.
- Find out what you’re feeling: name the emotion without judgment. “I feel anxious,” “I feel tired,” “I feel hopeful.” Naming brings awareness.
- Replace negative thoughts, soften the inner critic with kinder truths. “I’m failing” becomes “I’m learning.”
- Channel your energy, move, write, paint, or sing. Emotions are energy, they need somewhere safe to flow.
- Explore your emotions, ask what the feeling is here to show you. Sometimes, beneath anger is exhaustion, beneath sadness is longing.

Flowing through emotions doesn’t mean bypassing them, it means honouring them as messengers, then letting them move on. When we create space for our emotions, we expand our capacity to hold space for the children we nurture.

#educatorwellbeing #emotionalflow #teacherwellbeing #selfregulation #nervoussystemhealth #mindfulteacher #teacherselfcare #emotionalawareness #holisticteaching #educatorresilience #lindconnectionslearning

Our nervous systems love predictability. Consistent routines aren’t just schedules, they are signals of safety that calm the body and mind.

For children, routines reduce uncertainty and help them feel grounded. For educators, they create structure and flow in the day, reducing stress and decision fatigue. Together, rhythm and routine create an anchor of safety.

When we feel safe, our brains shift from survival into learning, growth, and connection. And in this space of calm, creativity has room to flourish, in the way children play, the way we teach, and the way relationships grow.

Predictability doesn’t mean rigidity. It’s about creating gentle rhythms, the kind that give children (and ourselves) a sense of “I know what comes next.”
From that foundation, we are free to explore, discover, and imagine.

Today, notice where rhythm and routine already support you. And ask yourself: how can I make space for more predictability, not just for the children, but for my own wellbeing too?

#educatorwellbeing #teacherwellbeing #teacherselfcare #nervoussystemregulation #polyvagaltheory #predictability #classroomrhythms #somaticpractices #mindbodyconnection #mindfulteacher #kindconnectionslearning

Trauma can quietly disrupt the way we notice and respond to the most basic signals of our body, hunger, pain, tension, or even emotion. Instead of feeling safe within, we can feel cut off or overwhelmed.

Somatic recovery begins with interoceptive awareness, the ability to sense and listen to the subtle cues within. Healing isn’t about fixing the body, but about gently rebuilding trust and connection with it.

Here are a few practices that support this journey:

- Neutral body tracking: Gently notice sensations in simple areas like your hands or feet. There’s no goal, only awareness.
- Micro movement: Tiny actions, like stretching a finger or softening your breath, help reclaim agency and choice.
- Tolerate non-reaction: Practice being with stillness, letting “nothing happen” without forcing change.
- Allow natural releases: Trust your body’s wisdom in sighs, yawns, or trembles. These are ways survival energy completes its cycle.
- Body mapping: Imagine exploring your body like a landscape, not to fix, but to rebuild familiarity and acceptance.

For educators, these gentle steps are more than self-care, they’re a way to come home to yourself. The more safety and connection you cultivate within, the more present and grounded you can be with the children in your care.

Healing begins with awareness. Your body is not your enemy, it holds the map back to wholeness.

#educatorwellbeing #somatichealing #interoceptiveawareness #nervoussystemregulation #teacherselfcare #teacherwellbeing #mindbodyconnection #traumainformedteaching #healingjourney #mindfulteacher #kindconnectionslearning

Being kind to ourselves isn’t just healing, it models for children how to treat their own minds and bodies. Self-compassion helps reduce stress, increase resilience, and foster positive relationships, building a classroom culture grounded in care and understanding.

#selfcompassion #educatorwellbeing #regulationmodeling #kindconnectionslearning #teacherresilience #compassionateeducation

Some days feel heavier than others. On those days, it can be easy to slip into autopilot, carrying stress in your body and mind without even noticing.
But even the smallest acts of self-care can remind your nervous system that you are safe, held, and not alone.

Here are gentle ways to support yourself when the day feels too much:
- Do a brain dump or journal; let the thoughts out of your head and onto the page.
- Unplug from social media; give your mind the gift of quiet.
- Meditate or practice breathwork; a few deep breaths can shift your whole state.
- Read uplifting quotes or affirmations; words can be anchors of hope.
- Use a self-care checklist; remind yourself of simple, doable steps.
- Reach out to a friend or step into nature; connection and fresh air are medicine for the soul.

Self-care doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. It’s about listening to what you need in this moment and giving yourself permission to pause.

Remember: taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s the foundation that allows you to keep showing up with heart.

#educatorwellbeing #teacherselfcare #teacherwellbeing #mindbodyconnection #nervoussystemregulation #mindfulteacher #selfcaretips #somatichealing #healingjourney #restisproductive #kindconnectionslearning

Feeling stretched thin? You’re not alone.

This month, I’m hosting a 30-Day Educator Wellbeing Challenge, simple daily reflections, glimmers of gratitude, and gentle practices to keep us grounded.

I’ll be showing up with you every day in our private group - sharing my own journey, insights, and stories, because we all deserve balance, connection, and support.

Come join us here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17KTavfmUa/

Let’s do this together. Because educator wellbeing matters.

#selfcareseptember #educatorwellbeing #teacherburnout #nervoussystemregulation #collectivecare #regulatededucators #continuousgrowth #kindconnectionslearning

Your nervous system is always working to protect you, shifting between states of safety, fight-or-flight, or shutdown depending on what life brings.
Polyvagal theory gives us a language for these states, and most importantly, it offers us ways to gently guide ourselves back to balance.

Here are some self-regulation practices you can try:

-Dorsal Vagal (Freeze / Shutdown): When you feel numb, disconnected, or heavy, try grounding exercises, gentle movement, or soothing touch to remind your body that it is safe to re-engage.

-Sympathetic (Fight or Flight): When you feel restless, anxious, or on edge, slow your system with deep breathing, mindfulness, or release the energy with intentional movement like walking or stretching.

- Ventral Vagal (Safe & Social): When you feel grounded and connected, nurture this state, build warm relationships, practice active listening, and engage in activities that spark joy.

The most powerful tool you have is a personalised regulation toolkit.
This means:
- Noticing your triggers and body cues.
- Exploring which techniques work best for you.
- Weaving regulation practices into daily rhythms so they become habits of care, not afterthoughts.

Remember: regulation isn’t about “fixing” yourself , it’s about gently returning, again and again, to safety, presence, and compassion.

What’s one practice you’d like to add to your toolkit this week?

#educatorwellbeing #polyvagaltheory #nervoussystemregulation #teacherselfcare #teacherwellbeing #somaticpractices #mindbodyconnection #traumainformedteaching #healingjourney #mindfulteacher #kindconnectionslearning

Today we celebrate Early Childhood Educator Day, a day to honour the heart, patience, and dedication you bring into the lives of children and families every single day.

Being an educator is more than guiding play or teaching skills. It’s holding space for tiny humans as they learn how to feel safe, how to connect, and how to grow into themselves. It’s offering calm when there is chaos, comfort when there are tears, and joy when curiosity blooms.

We know the work isn’t easy. The long days, the emotional labour, the giving of yourself again and again often go unseen. But please remember this: the love, presence, and care you bring changes lives in ways you may never fully witness.

To every educator - thank you! Thank you for showing up with compassion. Thank you for nurturing hearts and minds. Thank you for being the steady anchor children can trust.

Today, let this celebration also be a reminder: your wellbeing matters too. Just as you pour into others, may you also receive rest, joy, and care.

#earlychildhoodeducatorday #educatorwellbeing #thankyoueducators #teacherselfcare #teacherwellbeing #mindbodyconnection #earlychildhoodeducation #nervoussystemregulation #somatichealing #heartcentredteaching #kindconnectionslearning

Safety is wired deep in our nervous systems, it’s a feeling before it’s consciously known.
Recognising this shifts how we support children and ourselves: safety must be embodied through relationships, environments, and practices that calm the nervous system, not just told through words.

#polyvagaltheory #embodiedlearning #nervoussystemhealth #teacherwellbeing #traumainformedpractice #kindconnectionslearning

Have you ever wondered why some days you feel calm and connected, while other days even small stressors leave you anxious, shut down, or on edge?

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps us understand why.
It explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) - the part of our body that runs beneath conscious control - shapes our emotions, our sense of safety, and how we connect with others.

According to polyvagal theory, our nervous system moves between different states:
- Safe & Social (ventral vagal): where we feel grounded, open, and connected.
- Fight or Flight (sympathetic): where we feel activated, anxious, or restless.
- Shutdown or Freeze (dorsal vagal): where we feel numb, withdrawn, or disconnected.

None of these states are “bad”, they are protective responses, designed to keep us safe. But when stress is constant, we can become stuck outside of safety and connection.

The good news? With awareness and gentle practices, like deep breathing, grounding, movement, or co-regulation with others, we can invite the nervous system back into balance.

For educators, this knowledge is powerful. It reminds us that regulation is not just about willpower, it’s about biology. And with compassion, we can create classrooms (and lives) where safety, connection, and learning flourish.

Your nervous system is not broken. It’s doing its best to protect you, and with support, it can return to safety.

#educatorwellbeing #polyvagaltheory #nervoussystemregulation #teacherselfcare #traumainformedteaching #somatichealing #teacherwellbeing #mindbodyconnection #healingjourney #mindfulteacher

Have you ever noticed how a deep breath, a gentle hum, or even a hand resting on your chest can bring a sense of calm? That’s the vagus nerve at work.

The vagus nerve is the body’s main communication highway, connecting brain and body, heart and lungs, emotions and safety. It’s what helps us calm down after stress, connect with others, and return to a place of regulation.

Polyvagal theory teaches us that our nervous system has different states:
- Survival states (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) where we feel anxious, shut down, or overwhelmed.
- Regulated states (safe & social), where we feel grounded, connected, and able to engage with others.

When we gently stimulate the vagus nerve through breath, humming, singing, touch, or mindful movement, we signal to our body: you are safe now.
This allows our system to shift from protection into connection.

For educators, understanding this is powerful. It means that the practices we use to care for ourselves, and to co-regulate with children, are rooted in the way the body is wired for safety and healing.

Your body is always speaking the language of safety. The vagus nerve is the pathway that helps you listen.

#educatorwellbeing #vagusnerve #polyvagaltheory #nervoussystemregulation #somatichealing #mindbodyconnection #teacherselfcare #traumainformedteaching #teacherwellbeing #healingjourney

The vagus nerve connects the brain and body, helping us feel safe, connected, and calm. Understanding this biology reminds us why relationships matter deeply, social engagement literally helps regulate the nervous system and create learning readiness.

#polyvagaltheory #socialengagement #emotionalregulation #nervoussystemhealth #teacherwellbeing #kindconnectionslearning

Your nervous system carries so much, stress, emotions, the energy of busy classrooms, and the weight of caring for others. Healing begins when we give our bodies permission to feel safe, to rest, and to reset.

Here are 6 gentle, proven strategies to support your nervous system:

- Sensory safety first - Create environments that soothe your body: soft light, calming sounds, gentle scents. Safety is the foundation of healing.
- Co-regulate with safe people - Healing grows in connection. Spend time with those who respect your pace and never rush your emotions.
- Track body cues - Notice the whispers of your body: tight shoulders, shallow breath, a clenched jaw. These are signals, not flaws.
- Gentle movement matters – Walking, stretching, swaying, or rocking helps release stuck energy. Movement makes space for regulation.
- Rest is not laziness – Stillness recalibrates the nervous system. Honour your need for sleep, pauses, and quiet moments.
- Repeat, not perfect – Somatic healing isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about returning to your body, again and again, with kindness.

Healing is a journey of compassion, not perfection. Each small step is a gift you offer yourself.

#educatorwellbeing #nervoussystemhealing #somaticpractices #mindbodyconnection #teacherselfcare #traumainformedteaching #gentlehealing #teacherwellbeing #restandregulate #selfcompassion #kindconnectionslearning

When you feel grounded and supported, it creates ripples that calm and strengthen children’s regulation.
Taking care of your own nervous system isn’t selfish, it’s a foundational teaching strategy. Your wellbeing is a gift to your learners and yourself.

#educatorwellbeing #nervoussystemregulation #teacherhealth #coregulation #kindconnectionslearning #classroomclimate

Have you ever woken up already exhausted? Felt your shoulders tense all day, or noticed yourself jumping at sudden sounds?

These are not signs of weakness, they are signs of a nervous system under stress.

When your body stays in survival mode, even small decisions can feel overwhelming, meals become irregular, and familiar places may not feel safe. This is what it can look like when the nervous system is dysregulated.

The good news? Regulation is possible. Gentle practices like grounding touch, mindful movement, breathing, or simply pausing to notice your body can help bring your nervous system back into balance.

You don’t have to carry it all alone. Your experiences are valid. Your body is doing its best to protect you. And with compassion and care, you can find your way back to safety and ease.

Take one small step today: soften your jaw, drop your shoulders, and let yourself exhale.

#educatorwellbeing #nervoussystemregulation #traumainformedteaching #teacherselfcare #somatichealing #mindbodyconnection #teacherwellbeing #selfcompassion #healingjourney #mindfulteacher #kindconnectionslearning

Your energy is contagious. Children’s brains are wired to pick up on your emotional state through subtle cues like facial expressions and tone. Staying regulated yourself becomes one of the most powerful ways you support their nervous systems and learning readiness. Your calm presence is a powerful teaching tool.

#educatorpresence #mirrorneurons #nervoussystemregulation #teacherwellbeing #mindfulteaching #kindconnectionslearning

On the days when your heart feels heavy or the space feels overwhelming, remember this: you are doing the best you can.

It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to not be okay. Your boundaries matter, your feelings are valid, and you are worthy of care and compassion, just as much as the children you nurture every day.

You are a work in progress, and that is more than enough. Healing, rest, and growth are not weaknesses, they are signs of courage.

Take a breath. Place a hand on your heart. Remind yourself: you are capable of amazing things.

#educatorwellbeing #teacherselfcare #mindfulteacher #teacherwellbeing #nervoussystemregulation #selfcompassion #mentalhealthineducation #somatichealing #boundariesarehealthy #healingjourney #kindconnectionslearning

Movement is not a break from learning, it is essential learning itself.
When children move, they activate deep brain structures like the cerebellum that help coordinate attention and cognitive control. Integrating movement throughout the day boosts their readiness and ability to engage meaningfully.

#movementmatters #brainhealth #executivefunction #educatorwellbeing #earlychildhoodeducation #kindconnectionslearning

The Window of Tolerance is the space where we feel safe, connected, and able to engage with the world around us.
Inside this window, our nervous system is regulated - we can think clearly, listen deeply, and respond with compassion.

But life in education is full of intensity - the noise, the pace, the constant giving. It’s natural to sometimes be pushed outside your window:
- Into hyperarousal: where anxiety, overwhelm, or frustration take over.
- Or into hypoarousal: where we feel shut down, numb, or disconnected.

Neither state means you are failing. They simply signal your nervous system is trying to protect you.

Practices like deep breathing, grounding touch, movement, or pausing to step outside can gently guide you back into your window of tolerance. This is where balance returns, where connection feels possible, and where teaching from the heart becomes easier again.

Your window may be smaller on some days and wider on others, and that’s okay. What matters most is noticing where you are, and offering yourself the same kindness you’d give a child learning how to regulate.

Today, ask yourself: Am I inside my window? What might help me return?

#educatorwellbeing #windowoftolerance #nervoussystemregulation #teacherselfcare #mindbodyconnection #traumainformedteaching #somatichealing #teacherwellbeing #brainbasedteaching #mindfulteacher #kindconnectionslearning

Play isn’t just fun, it’s regulation in action.
Laughter, pretend games, and even silly moments calm stress hormones and strengthen the brain-body connection. Every giggle is therapy.

#playmatters #regulationthroughplay #childdevelopment #nervoussystemregulation #earlylearning #teacherlife #educatorwellbeing #brainbasedlearning #connectedclassroom #kindconnectionslearning

In the middle of a hectic day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, scattered, or tense. Your nervous system may be on high alert, and your mind may be spinning, but you can come back to safety.

Somatic anchors are gentle ways to remind your body and brain that you are safe, supported, and present. Try these 5 practices:
- Orienting: Slowly look around and name 5 things you see. Notice the world around you.
- Grounding touch: Place your hand on your chest or belly. Feel your heartbeat, your breath, your presence.
- Movement: Rock side to side or gently sway. Let your body release tension.
- Temperature shift: Hold a warm mug, splash cool water on your face, or notice the sensation of warmth or cold.
- Vocal tone: Hum, sigh, or speak gently to yourself. Y our voice can calm your nervous system from the inside out.

These simple practices are small acts of care that help your nervous system reset, allowing you to respond instead of react.
Pause, anchor, breathe, and remember: safety begins with you.

#educatorwellbeing #somatichealing #mindbodyconnection #teacherselfcare #nervoussystemregulation #brainbasedteaching #embodiedhealing #mindfulteacher #selfcareforteachers #teacherwellbeing

As educators, we often spend so much of our day pouring energy outward, sitting in meetings, guiding children, holding emotions, and carrying endless to-do lists. Our bodies quietly hold this weight, and our minds race to keep up.

Movement offers us a way back.
When we stretch, walk, sway, or dance, we’re not just moving muscles, we’re calming our nervous system, releasing stress hormones, and inviting fresh oxygen and energy into the brain.

Movement doesn’t have to be big or structured. It can be as simple as standing up between tasks, breathing deeply while rolling your shoulders, or taking a gentle walk outside. Each small act tells your body: I am safe, I am present, I can reset.

Your wellbeing matters. Let movement be the medicine that brings you back to balance, body, mind, and heart.

What’s one small way you can bring movement into your day today?

#educatorwellbeing #movementmatters #brainbodyconnection #teacherselfcare #nervoussystemregulation #mindfulteacher #embodiedhealing #teacherwellbeing #somaticpractices #restandregulate

Somatic practices remind us that true safety and presence aren’t just ideas in our mind, they’re felt in the body.
Every gentle breath, every soft stretch, every mindful awareness of your posture or the tension in your muscles is an invitation to release what no longer serves you.

Healing and regulation begin in the body first. When we notice the subtle messages our muscles, joints, and breath carry, we create space for calm, for connection, and for a nervous system that knows it is safe.

It’s not about forcing change or “fixing” yourself, it’s about listening deeply, moving gently, and allowing your body to guide you home to yourself.

Pause today. Feel your body. Breathe. You are safe, you are here, and you are enough.

#SomaticHealing #MindBodyConnection #EducatorWellbeing #BrainBodyAwareness #TeacherSelfCare #NervousSystemRegulation #EmbodiedHealing #MindfulTeacher

Sometimes the body carries what the mind cannot.

Somatic healing invites us to listen, really listen, to the messages stored in our muscles, our breath, our posture.
It’s a gentle reminder that trauma isn’t just a memory: it lives in the body, in patterns of tension, in subtle whispers of discomfort.

Through this practice, you can:
- Release stuck survival energy, fight, flight, freeze, that no longer serves you
- Rebuild a sense of safety and calm within your own body
- Feel your emotions fully, without being swept away
- Connect with yourself gently, with curiosity and without judgment

Healing isn’t about “fixing” or rushing. It’s about allowing your body to remember what safety feels like.
It’s about giving yourself permission to rest, to breathe, to come home to yourself.

Take a moment today, even a breath, a stretch, a soft touch, to notice your body. What does it need?

#SomaticHealing #TraumaInformedCare #HealingFromWithin #MindBodyConnection #EmbodiedHealing #GentleHealing #RestAndRegulate #SelfCompassion #InnerResilience #BodyAwareness #HealingJourney

Meltdowns and tears aren’t signs of disobedience; they’re signals.
A child in the storm of emotion isn’t asking for punishment, they’re asking for reassurance that safety still exists. Our job is to hold steady until the storm passes.

#bigfeelings #emotionalregulation #traumainformedteaching #socialemotionallearning #educatorwellbeing #teacherlife #childdevelopment #coregulation #connectedclassroom #kindconnectionslearning

In the midst of planning, busy rooms, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that your wellbeing matters too.

Caring for yourself doesn’t need to be big or complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as:
- pausing for a cup of tea
- taking a mindful walk in nature
- cuddling your pet
- jotting down thoughts in a journal
- listening to a podcast that inspires you
- sitting in quiet meditation
- dancing it out in the lounge room
- pampering yourself in a small way

These little acts add up, grounding you, restoring your energy, and reminding you that you are human first, educator second.

What’s one small thing you’ll do for your wellbeing today?

#EducatorWellbeing #TeacherLife #MindfulEducator #WellbeingJourney #SelfCareForEducators #RegulationMatters #HolisticTeaching #KindConnectionsLearning #TeacherSupport #RestAndRecharge #EducatorCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #TeacherSelfCare #BalanceAndGrowth

It’s not grand strategies that shape regulation, it’s the tiny, repeated acts.
The pause before responding.
The gentle hand on a shoulder.
The whispered, “I’m here.”
These seeds, planted daily, grow into lifelong resilience.

#regulationfirst #socialemotionallearning #relationshipmatters #educatorwellbeing #teacherlife #earlyyearslearning #childdevelopment #connectedteaching #calmclassroom #kindconnectionslearning

Emotions are not the enemy, they’re messages from our nervous system, asking to be noticed, felt, and understood.

The way we respond to our feelings can either bring us closer to balance… or pull us further away. That’s why it helps to remember some gentle do’s and don’ts when emotions run high.

Do’s
- Name the emotion - giving it language softens its grip.
- Pause to breathe before reacting - even one slow exhale changes the body’s state.
- Use “I” statements - honour your truth without blame.
- Journal your emotional triggers - awareness creates choice.
- Ground yourself through the senses - feel your feet, touch something textured, notice the present.
- Give yourself permission to pause - rest is regulation.

Don’ts
- React from impulse - what feels urgent in the moment often isn’t.
- Blame others for your feelings - you can share impact without projecting responsibility.
- Suppress or push emotions down - what you resist persists.
- Judge yourself for being “too much” - every feeling is valid data.
- Compare your reactions to others - your nervous system is uniquely yours.
- Escape emotions through endless distraction - the only way out is through.

Remember: regulation isn’t about controlling emotions. It’s about creating enough space to respond instead of react.
As educators, the more we practice this, the more we model it for children - showing them that all feelings are welcome, and all feelings can be moved through safely.

#kindconnectionslearning #educatorwellbeing #emotionalregulation #selfregulation #coregulation #traumainformedpractice #mindbodyconnection #nervoussystemregulation #earlychildhoodeducation #connectionovercorrection

When a child melts down, refuses, fidgets, or explodes, it’s easy to see it as misbehaviour. But beneath the surface, their nervous system is working overtime, trying to return to safety and balance.

Children don’t wake up wanting to be “defiant” or “difficult.” What looks challenging on the outside is often their body’s way of saying:
- I’m overwhelmed.
- I don’t feel safe.
- I need help to regulate.

When we shift our lens from “misbehaviour” to “stress behaviour,” everything changes. Instead of reacting with punishment or frustration, we can pause and ask:
- What stressors might be underneath this?
- What does this child’s nervous system need right now?
- How can I offer co-regulation so they feel safe enough to calm?

This isn’t about excusing behaviour, it’s about understanding the why so we can respond with compassion and connection. Every time we meet a child’s big emotions with calm presence, we show them: Your feelings are safe here. You are safe here.

That’s how regulation grows. That’s how resilience builds. That’s how children learn to trust themselves, and us.

#kindconnectionslearning #childdevelopment #nervoussystemregulation #coregulation #educatorsofinstagram #earlychildhoodeducation #traumainformedpractice #relationshipbasedlearning #selfregulation #educatorwellbeing #connectionovercorrection

Did you know? Childhood trauma doesn’t just live in our memories - it changes the way the brain develops.

Research shows that trauma can:
- Shrink the hippocampus, which affects memory and learning.
- Over-activate the amygdala, keeping the body stuck in fear and hypervigilance.
- Weaken the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that helps us reason, plan, and calm ourselves.

This is why children (and adults) who’ve experienced trauma may struggle to “stay calm,” “focus,” or “think clearly” when triggered. Their nervous system is not misbehaving - it’s protecting.

The good news? The brain is beautifully adaptive. With safe relationships, supportive environments, and body-based practices, new pathways can grow. Healing is always possible.

For educators, this means remembering: when a child is overwhelmed, what they need most is connection before correction, safety before strategy.
When we hold space for regulation, we’re helping their brain rewire for resilience.
#educatorwellbeing #childhoodtrauma #nervoussystemregulation #traumainformed #brainbasedlearning #neuroscienceineducation #coregulation #relationshipsmatter #healingispossible #earlychildhood #teacherwellbeing #kindconnectionslearning

Emotional regulation doesn’t always come from big, life-changing practices, often, it’s the tiny habits that quietly rewire our nervous system for safety and calm.

- Pause before reacting - giving yourself a breath of space creates room for choice instead of automatic reaction.
- Name one feeling you’re experiencing - when we name it, we tame it. Language helps calm the nervous system.
- Place a hand on your chest and breathe - this simple gesture signals safety and softens stress.
- Write down the thought, without judgment - noticing without attaching meaning brings gentle release.
- Step outside for 2 minutes of air and light - nature restores regulation faster than we often realise.

These micro-moments may feel small, but together they create nervous system safety.
Over time, they become anchors - helping us meet both children and ourselves with more compassion, patience, and presence.

Little by little, we’re teaching our bodies: It’s safe to slow down. It’s safe to feel. It’s safe to be here.

#educatorwellbeing #emotionalregulation #nervoussystemregulation #tinyhabits #micropractices #traumainformed #mindbodyconnection #selfregulation #educatorselfcare #coregulation #teacherwellbeing #kindconnectionslearning

Literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving don’t grow in isolation, they rest on the base of secure relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Builds the base, and the skills will follow.

#foundationsbeforeacademics #safeandbelonging #traumainformedpractice #connectedlearning #relationshipsmatter #kindconnectionslearning

When our nervous system has been shaped by trauma, calm doesn’t always come easily. It’s not about being “too sensitive” or “overreacting”, it’s about a body that has learned to protect itself, even when the threat has passed.

Here are gentle ways to support a traumatised nervous system:
- Focus on co-regulation, not just self-regulation. Sometimes we can’t calm alone, and that’s okay. Being with someone safe helps our body remember what safety feels like.

- Limit sensory input when overwhelmed. Dimming the lights, stepping away from crowds, or reducing background noise can create the quiet space your body is craving.

- Use grounding tools. Texture, temperature, pressure. Whether it’s holding something cool, feeling your feet on the floor, or wrapping up in a blanket, the body finds safety in sensation.

- Practice body-led journaling. Instead of only writing your thoughts, pause and ask: What is my body feeling right now? Noticing and recording body cues helps integrate your experiences gently.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight. It happens moment by moment, pause by pause, connection by connection.
Your nervous system is always doing its best to keep you safe, and these small steps can guide it back toward calm.

#connectionfirst #relationshipmatters #traumainformed #socialemotionallearning #educatorwellbeing #teacherlife #childdevelopment #calmclassroom #nervoussystemregulation #kindconnectionslearning

Children don’t learn regulation through being told to “stop.”
They learn it through the steady presence of someone who can sit with them, guide them, and show safety with compassion.
Connection is the bridge to learning.
#connectionfirst #relationshipmatters #traumainformed #socialemotionallearning #educatorwellbeing #teacherlife #childdevelopment #calmclassroom #nervoussystemregulation #kindconnectionslearning

When it comes to healing and regulation, there are two main ways we process trauma: top-down and bottom-up.

- Top-down uses the thinking brain: talk therapy, CBT, reflection.
- Bottom-up starts with the body: breathwork, movement, sensory tools, co-regulation.

For adults, both can be powerful.
But for children, bottom-up approaches are essential. Their thinking brains (the prefrontal cortex) are still developing, which means asking them to “just think differently” often won’t work. Instead, they need us to meet them in their bodies, through safe movement, rhythm, play, breath, and connection.

When we honour the body first, we create the safety children need to access their thinking brains. Regulation begins in the body, then flows to the mind.

#educatorwellbeing #childdevelopment #traumainformed #bottomup #nervoussystemregulation #somatichealing #earlylearning #relationshipsmatter #coregulation #kindconnectionslearning

Patience is more than kindness, it’s a life skill you pass on.
The way you pause, breathe, and respond thoughtfully today becomes the blueprint a child will follow when life tests them in the future.

#educatorwellbeing #childdevelopment #emotionalregulation #calmclassroom #teacherlife #resilientkids #mindfulness #connectionmatters #teacherresilience #kindconnectionslearning

Rocking chairs, clapping games, nursery rhymes, walking side by side, rhythm settles the body.
Repetition creates predictability, and predictability tells the brain: you are safe. That’s why rituals matter so much.

#rhythmandregulation #nervoussystemsoothing #earlychildhood #traumainformed #socialemotionallearning #teacherlife #educatorwellbeing #brainbodyconnection #safeclassroom #kindconnectionslearning

Our bodies are always speaking, sometimes in whispers, sometimes in shouts. When we feel unsafe, even if we can’t put it into words, the body tells the truth.

Safety isn’t just about the absence of danger. It’s about the presence of calm, connection, and trust. And when those aren’t there, the body finds ways to protect us, through tension, restlessness, or even shutting down.
- A tight jaw that locks without warning.
- The urge to keep busy, because slowing down feels impossible.
- Avoiding rest, as if stillness isn’t safe.
- Fidgeting or moving constantly, never quite settled.
- Feeling overly sensitive to noise, light, textures, or feeling nothing at all.
If you recognise yourself here, know this: you’re not “broken” or “too much.”
Your nervous system is doing its best to protect you. These are survival strategies, not flaws.
With compassion, grounding practices, and safe connections, your body can relearn what safety feels like. You deserve that gentleness.

#educatorwellbeing #nervoussystemregulation #traumainformed #mindbodyconnection #somatichealing #coregulation #emotionalresilience #teacherwellbeing #selfcompassion #educatorselfcare #stressrecovery #healingjourney #earlychildhoodeducator #resilienteducators #mentalhealthawareness #bodymindbalance #groundingpractices #teacherlife #supportforeducators #kindconnectionslearning

Resilience doesn’t come from forcing children to ‘toughen up.’
It grows in the soil of safety, the kind where children can show their true selves, make mistakes, and still be accepted and loved. That safety becomes the foundation for courage.
#educatorwellbeing #childdevelopment #emotionalregulation #calmclassroom #teacherlife #resilientkids #mindfulness #connectionmatters #teacherresilience #kindconnectionslearning

As educators, we hold so much, the emotions of little ones, the energy of busy rooms, and our own inner world too. It’s no wonder our nervous systems sometimes feel like they’re on overdrive.
Emotional regulation isn’t about being “calm all the time.” It’s about noticing, pausing, and choosing gentleness with ourselves in the moment.
These 6 simple steps can help you reset when the weight of the day feels heavy:
- Acknowledge what you’re feeling, name it, so it doesn’t have to shout.
- Breathe before you react, your breath is your anchor.
- Ground yourself in the present, feel your feet, notice what’s real now.
- Scan your body for tension, soften the places holding tight.
- Reframe the thought loop, ask: is this story helping me or holding me?
- Close with self-compassion, because you deserve the same kindness you give to others.
This is about building tiny rituals of care that strengthen your resilience. Every small pause, every breath, every act of kindness toward yourself is a step toward balance.
#educatorwellbeing #emotionalregulation #nervoussystemhealing #mindfulteaching #teacherwellbeing #earlychildhoodeducator #teacherlife #selfcompassion #groundingpractices #pauseandbreathe #educatorselfcare #regulationtools #teacherburnoutprevention #heartcentredteaching #calmclassroom #resilienteducators #kindconnectionslearning

Time in nature isn’t just refreshing, it supports biological regulation by lowering cortisol and boosting parasympathetic activity.
Incorporating outdoor experiences helps children and educators recharge, reset, and engage more fully in learning and connection.

#naturetherapy #stressreduction #nervoussystembalance #educatorwellbeing #outdooreducation #kindconnectionslearning

When a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed, their thinking brain goes offline. Recognising this helps us respond with compassion and regulation strategies, rather than frustration. Supporting safety and calm creates space for the prefrontal cortex to re-engage and learning to happen.

#stressandlearning #regulationbeforelearning #teachercompassion #nervoussystemsupport #kindconnectionslearning

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