Building Body and Brain Connections

Hey Reader!

Preschoolers are full of energy, movement, and wiggles—but did you know that some full-body stretches can do more than just help them calm down? These stretching and calm breathing techniques actually support two important senses: proprioception (the sense of where our body is in space) and the vestibular system (the sense of balance and movement). Together, these senses help children feel grounded, coordinated, and ready to learn.

Note: These “poses” are taken from common yoga stretches – however, in our Christian programs, we are not adding in any eastern spiritual practices. Rather, we are teaching young children how to move their bodies in a controlled manner while also managing their breathing.

Here are a few ways these activities support healthy development:

1. Balancing poses build the vestibular system.
​When children try poses like tree, airplane, or even just standing on one leg, they’re strengthening their balance and coordination. These simple movements help their inner ear and brain work together so they can feel steady and confident.

2. Stretching develops proprioception.
​Reaching arms high in mountain pose or stretching long in downward dog gives kids feedback about where their bodies are in space. This helps them control their movements—skills they need for everyday activities like climbing on the playground or holding a pencil.

3. Inversions boost body-brain communication.
​When children flip their bodies upside down in poses like downward dog or child’s pose, their brains receive fresh input from the vestibular system. This can sharpen focus and support self-regulation.

4. Breathing connects body and mind.
​Slowing down to take a deep breath teaches preschoolers how to notice and manage their internal state. Breathing during poses not only calms the nervous system but also strengthens the connection between body and brain.

5. Sequencing builds whole-brain skills.
​Moving from cat to cow or standing to sitting helps children plan, coordinate, and transition smoothly. These sequencing skills support attention and flexible thinking while giving both vestibular and proprioceptive input.

I love that our bodies, brains and souls are intended to be integrated and connected. As we learn to calm our bodies and brains, our souls are more readily able to connect to our Creator God because we are less distracted.

Check out a downloadable one-page resource to give you easy stretches to use in your classroom today on our Resources page [HERE].
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Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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