How the core connections program supports social emotional development in the classroom

We often talk about social emotional development as something that happens entirely in the mind. We focus on teaching children how to share, how to use their words, and how to identify their feelings using various charts and books. But if you have ever sat with a child who is in the middle of a massive emotional meltdown, you know that those logical tools often go straight out the window.

The reason for this is that social emotional development is deeply connected to the physical body. Specifically, it is connected to the core. When I talk about the core connections program, I am talking about the vital link between a child’s physical stability and their emotional regulation. If a child does not feel stable and secure in their own body, they simply do not have the internal resources to navigate the complex social world of a busy classroom.

Why your physical core impacts your emotional core

To explain this to a teenager, I would tell them to imagine their body is like a skyscraper. The physical core (your tummy and back muscles) is the foundation and the steel frame. The social emotional development is like the lights, the elevators, and the people working inside the building. If the foundation is shaky and the frame is swaying in the wind, the elevators are going to get stuck and the lights will flicker. You cannot expect the office to run smoothly if the building itself feels like it might fall over.

When a child has a weak physical core, their nervous system is in a constant state of low level alarm. They feel physically "unsteady," which their brain interprets as being "unsafe." In this state, they are much more likely to react with "fight or flight" behaviours over small things, like someone accidentally bumping into them or not getting the blue crayon first. The core connections program works because it addresses that physical foundation first, allowing the emotional skyscraper to stand tall.

Signs a child needs more core connection

You will see the need for the core connections program in those children who seem to be constantly "on edge." They are the ones who:

• Have very low tolerance for frustration and give up easily.

• Struggle to share or take turns because they feel a desperate need to control their environment.

• Fall out of their chairs or "slump" during group time.

• Seem to have "big" reactions to very small social hiccups.

• Find it hard to maintain eye contact or engage in back and forth conversation.

If we only address the behaviour without looking at the physical core, we are just trying to fix the flickering lights without looking at the shaky foundation. The core connections program gives you the tools to fix the building from the ground up.

Watch the core connections program in action

I have put together this video to explain how we bridge the gap between movement and emotion. You will see how simple core exercises can actually lead to better social outcomes in your room.

Three quick strategies to build connection today

1. Back to back breathing Have two children sit on the floor back to back. Ask them to try and feel each other's breath moving against their own spine. This requires core stability to sit upright and a high level of social awareness to "tune in" to their partner. It is a powerful way to build social emotional development through physical contact.

2. The slow motion mirror In pairs, have one child be the "mover" and the other be the "mirror." They must move their arms and legs in very slow motion while the other copies. Moving slowly requires massive core control and intense social focus. It is a staple of the core connections program because it forces the brain to slow down and connect.

3. Heavy work partner carries Have children work together to carry a heavy basket of blocks or a weighted "treasure" across the room. This provides the proprioceptive input (heavy work) that calms the nervous system while requiring them to communicate and coordinate their movements with a peer.

Download the free 3 day lesson plan

I want you to see how easy it is to weave these movements into your existing routine. I have created a free 3 day lesson plan that introduces the basic concepts of the core connections program. It is a great way to test the waters and see how your students respond to more intentional core work.

Download the Free 3 Day Core Connections Lesson Plan Here

Unlock the full core connections program

If you are ready to really transform the social emotional development in your room, the full core connections program is available inside our Membership Lounge. This is where I provide the complete set of lesson plans, videos, and documentation templates you need to run this program successfully for the long term.

Inside the Lounge, we have done all the heavy lifting. You get professional posters to show parents why you are doing these "odd" movements, and you get the exclusive documentation templates for your assessment and rating to prove that you are meeting the national quality standards for physical and emotional health.

Join the Lounge and unlock the full Core Connections Program here