Calm First, Then Teach: Using Movement to Support Emotional Regulation in Schools

Session Description

Working across a wide range of schools in wellbeing, sport, and group-based programs has revealed a consistent pattern. Many behaviors educators are responding to are not driven by defiance, but by dysregulation. When students are overwhelmed, they are often operating in a heightened stress state where their ability to think clearly, learn, and respond appropriately is significantly reduced. This session supports educators to shift from reactive responses to a regulation-first approach. It explores how to recognise when a student is in a sympathetic “fight, flight, or freeze” state, and how to support them in transitioning into a calmer, more receptive state where learning can occur. The session begins with a short guided breathwork experience, allowing participants to feel this shift in real time before applying it in a school context. A key focus is equipping educators with practical individual and co-regulation tools. Participants will learn how their tone, pace, and presence directly influence student state, and how to use this intentionally to reduce escalation and support re-engagement. Movement and play are introduced as powerful, practical regulation strategies. Through simple rhythm, clapping, and movement-based activities, educators will experience how these approaches can regulate nervous system states in ways that are engaging, low-pressure, and effective across different year levels. Drawing on real-world experience across school settings, this session provides practical strategies that can be implemented immediately. Educators will leave with a clear understanding that when regulation is prioritised first, behaviour, learning, and connection all improve.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to apply simple tools such as breathwork, movement, rhythm, and play-based activities to support students in real time. They will also develop an awareness of how their tone, pace, and presence influence student state, leaving with practical strategies to reduce escalation, support re-engagement, and create more effective learning environments.

Curriculum Level

Other

Keywords

Active Play and Minor Games, Fundamental Movement Skills, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Student Engagement

Presentation Type

Practical Workshop
C
16