Building Body and Brain Connections

ByMonica Healer

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].
​

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

P.S. If you don’t want to receive these weekly emails anymore, no hard feelings. Click HERE to be removed from this list. (You’ll still receive other emails from us based on past preferences.)

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL FALL 2025 EVENTS!

​
​Bryan/College Station – November 8, 2025, last day is Nov 3rd!​
​Houston (Pasadena) – January 24, 2026 registration is NOW OPEN!

​San Antonio – February 7, 2026 registration is NOW OPEN!

​

SAVE THE DATE FOR DIRECTOR’S RETREAT — March 5-6 in Granbury, TX.

​

​

What’s new in our on-demand course library?
Check out An Overview of Common Special Needs in Early Childhood or Helping Children with Special Needs Be Successful or the almost 50 other options! Available 24/7/365 so you can get that training D.O.N.E.

​
​

​

Similar Posts

  • Like sands through the hourglass…

    Byearlychildhoodchristiannetwork

    Hey Reader!
    Time. It’s something we cannot get more of! We’re all gifted exactly the same amount of minutes every day. Today, I just want to share one idea that I hope you’ll consider as you keep working on being a rockstar early educator!
    Look at your daily classroom schedule for your students – you have one right? (If you don’t, then stop here and get that done. Your students need routine!) Now, make a copy of it and document what you and any co-teacher, assistant teacher, floater, etc are…

  • Five Loaves. Two Fish. And a Classroom Full of Three-Year-Olds.

    ByMonica Healer

    Hey Reader! You’re telling the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people. You hold up the little basket.You lower your voice for effect.You pause at the miracle. And then you look out at your class of three-year-olds. One is wiggling.One is playing with their shoe.One is loudly announcing that they had goldfish crackers for breakfast. You really want them to connect with this story. Not just hear it — but feel it. So you decide this week won’t be just storytelling. It will be hands-on. Interactive….

  • The Surprising Science of “Just Playing”

    ByMonica Healer

    Hey Reader! “He just plays all day. Aren’t you supposed to be getting him ready for kindergarten?” If you’ve heard this question – or maybe even asked it yourself – today’s newsletter is for you! Here’s the truth: play IS learning—and the science behind it is stronger than ever. Below are five quick reminders that help us see play the way young children experience it. 1. Play = Brain Fertilizer Play isn’t a break from learning—it’s the best state for it. Joy + choice (“agency”) light up the…

  • Try This One Brave Reset in January

    ByMonica Healer

    Hey Reader! Ever notice that communication with coworkers can feel a little… tricky sometimes? (Maybe it’s just me?) Many of us are starting 2026 with some fresh energy and hopeful intentions (I don’t make resolutions!!) so…what if we used some of that energy and took one BRAVE step toward healthier communication? Communication Is More Than Words We teach children every day to “use your words” and sometimes we have to correct a “Give me that” to “May I have a turn, please?” Well… sometimes we…

  • Partnering with Parents

    ByMonica Healer

    Hey Reader! You hear me say this often – as leaders and educators in faith-based early childhood programs, we have a powerful opportunity—not just to care for children, but to minister to families. Today’s parents of young children are facing a unique blend of pressure, uncertainty, and conflicting parenting messages. They need more than great childcare—they need partners in the parenting journey. God has called us to be on their team. Be a Place of Christ-Centered PeaceCreate an environment…

  • Right-Brain + Left-Brain = Connected Hearts

    ByMonica Healer

    Hey Reader! When big emotions take over your classroom—meltdowns, refusals, or power struggles—it’s easy to feel like you’re just trying to survive. But these moments are actually powerful opportunities to shape the very architecture of a child’s brain. Today, we’re sharing a quick, practical guide to using a whole-brain approach in your classroom—helping children integrate their right-brain emotions with their left-brain logic so they can return to calm. WHY IT MATTERS Young…