Honouring the Body: Movement, Connection, and Resilience in the Classroom
As you will know I believe that education should include discovering the fundamentals of being human. With this in mind I have spent the last few weeks working away on a unit that is focussed on mind, body, spirit and how they function together.
This week I would like to share the first part of this unit of work which explores the body as the foundation of learning, resilience, and joy. The point of this unit is to help students feel connected with their bodies, recognise movements that bring them joy and gain an understanding of our connection with all other life. Through integrated lessons across reading, writing, science, health, and outdoor learning, students develop a deeper understanding of how movement, nutrition, sleep, and nature shape who they are and how they learn. We also explore how a sense of belonging and optimism impacts emotional well-being and supports a lifelong love of learning.
Why Movement Matters
The development of movement is crucial for brain development, especially in the early years. Physical skills evolve in line with brain maturation, meaning that movement is not just about fitness—it’s about thinking, learning, and feeling.
A child’s language skills, coordination, and emotional regulation are all linked to their ability to move. When we offer a balanced physical “diet” of movement experiences—ranging from free play to structured activity—we strengthen their confidence and reduce stress.
Importantly, movement also supports mental health. It improves social skills, builds self-esteem, and provides a natural outlet for emotional expression.
Optimism: A Tool for Life
Teaching optimism is a powerful way to protect children’s mental health. Research shows that children who learn optimistic thinking are more resilient and less likely to experience depression later in life.
We help students understand:
Permanence: Bad moments are temporary.
Pervasiveness: One problem doesn’t mean everything is bad.
Personalisation: Challenges aren’t always their fault.
Optimism isn’t about ignoring difficulties—it’s about recognising that we have a choice in how we respond to them.
Sleep and Learning
School-aged children need 10–11 hours of sleep per night. Sleep allows the body to recharge and the brain to consolidate learning. When tamariki are well-rested, they’re more focused, emotionally balanced, and ready to thrive. Without it, they may struggle with learning, mood regulation, and resilience.
Deep sleep plays a key role in physical growth, immune system strength, and the release of vital brain-development hormones. Sleep, like movement, is non-negotiable for holistic health.
Food as Fuel
Our brains use up to 20% of the body’s daily energy intake. That means what we eat directly affects how we learn. This unit encourages students to start thinking critically about nutrition and how it supports their body and mind.
As our understanding of food has evolved, so must our teaching. Giving students the knowledge to make conscious food choices is a gift that will serve them for life.
Understanding the Body’s Natural Intelligence
The nervous system is constantly working, delivering messages from the brain to the body and vice versa. Learning about how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work helps students understand their body's responses—like when they feel danger or excitement.
This awareness supports self-regulation, mindfulness, and a greater sense of agency over their bodies.
Life Cycles and Connection to Nature
Life cycles help us understand the interconnectedness of all living things. When students see themselves as part of nature, they develop a deeper respect for the planet and its diverse species.
We explore the environmental impact of human choices and how preserving habitats protects these cycles. Outdoor experiences, like planting or observing wildlife, make these lessons come alive.
Resilience Through Outdoor Challenge and Risky Play
This unit incorporates outdoor activities that challenge students to step outside their comfort zones—physically and emotionally. Whether it's through bush walks, climbing, or group challenges, students learn that they are capable of far more than they think.
Educator Kathryn Berkett describes resilience as being built through “mini moments” of tolerable stress. When students engage in outdoor play that feels slightly risky, they grow braver, more capable, and more supportive of each other.
The pride that comes from overcoming fear and uncertainty is transformative.
The Power of Belonging
A sense of belonging is essential for children’s confidence and identity. When tamariki feel accepted just as they are, they are more likely to participate, take risks in learning, and build positive relationships.
This unit supports students in connecting with their whakapapa and tūrangawaewae. It creates opportunities for reflection, expression, and relationship-building—especially in outdoor and group contexts.
Belonging is not a bonus in education; it is a core component of mental health and personal growth.
This unit is more than a study of the body—it’s an invitation for tamariki to recognise their strengths, build resilience, and understand their place in the natural world. It’s about movement, connection, joy—and the foundations of lifelong well-being.
📥 Want to explore this week’s full learning unit? Download it in the resources section of this website now.
I’d love to hear how your students enjoy this learning,
Natalie
