The Hidden Work of Co-Regulation

Let’s hear from Heather Kennedy, a K–4 Health & Wellness Teacher at Pond Cove School in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. With a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, a Master’s in Health Education, and certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Heather is dedicated to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young learners. She integrates movement, mindfulness, and health education to help students develop lifelong skills for self-regulation, resilience, and healthy living.

In 2016, I had the privilege of completing Yoga 4 Classrooms’ “Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom” training with Lisa Flynn in New Hampshire. My teaching role in a public school setting is very unique and has been well supported during the last 15 years. The K-4 Health & Wellness Curriculum that I designed and deliver is a combination of Health content, Mindfulness, Regulated Classroom, and Yoga 4 Classrooms!

At Pond Cove Elementary School, all students participate in structured or unstructured physical movement as part of every health lesson. I intentionally designed the Movement On Mats Program to help expand students’ whole body learning, including the practice of self-regulation and stress release.

Often, it is difficult for younger learners to articulate their stress levels. For them, stress is more easily and naturally released through movement, focused breathing, and greater body control.

This movement exploration builds students’ body awareness, sense of self, smoother transitioning, leadership, and self-regulation of behaviors. When students experience a series of defined physical movements as part of the instruction, they enter learning with a greater degree of sustained focus and engagement. The majority of the time, students practice the physical movement in the Health classroom with desks and wobble stools in place. Yoga 4 Classrooms makes it possible for students to practice physical movement in the space constraints of a typical classroom.

Within each lesson, I aim to co-create a balanced environment using precise language while modeling behaviors and responses. By far, the most beneficial impact of what I do is in the “hidden work” of co-regulating students’ nervous systems to be in their parasympathetic branch. It is a combination of applied research infused throughout our time together.

To foster each learner’s sense of belonging, calm, and safety, I must take the lead by being in a regulated state… no matter how challenging the situation.

We love to hear about the innovative and impactful ways Yoga 4 Classrooms is used in schools. Thank you, Heather, for the many ways you make a difference for your students! We would love to hear how you are using Yoga 4 Classrooms at your school, too. Contact us and share your story.