In my experience, most children learn to regulate their emotions through their bodies long before they can regulate through words. If you’ve ever noticed your child getting extra wiggly, loud, or easily frustrated after a long day, you’re not alone. These behaviors aren’t misbehavior. They’re actually communication. They’re signs that your child’s nervous system is working hard to process big feelings, new experiences, and the demands of a rapidly growing brain.

And here’s the good news:

Sometimes the best way to help them isn’t talking. It’s moving.

Why Movement Helps Kids Regulate

In Early Childhood, we teach students that their bodies can help them feel calm, safe, and ready to learn. One of the most effective tools we use is something called “heavy work.” Heavy work refers to any activity that involves pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying. These actions activate the proprioceptive system (the part of the body that helps us understand where we are in space). When kids engage in heavy work, they receive deep pressure input that acts like a physical “reset button,” helping them:

• Feel grounded
• Release anxious or frustrated energy
• Improve focus
• Transition more smoothly between activities
• Reconnect with their bodies after big emotions

This is the same approach we use in our classrooms every day. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s developmentally aligned with how young children grow.

Try These At‑Home Strategies

Here are a few of my favorite heavy‑work activities that families can easily incorporate into daily routines. These are the same kinds of strategies we use at school to help students regulate and reset.

Bear Crawl

• Walk on hands and feet with hips high in the air.

• A great way to move down the hallway before bedtime or transition between activities.

Crab Walk

• Hands and feet on the floor, tummy facing the ceiling.

• Perfect for getting the wiggles out before sitting for a meal or storytime.

Superhero Wall Pushes

• Have your child place their hands flat against a wall and push as hard as they can for 10 seconds.

• Tell them they’re “holding the wall up”—kids love the imaginative twist.

The Helpful Helper

• Ask your child to push a full laundry basket, carry a stack of books, or help move cushions.

• Kids feel proud to contribute, and the heavy lifting gives their bodies the input they need.

• These activities aren’t just fun—they’re powerful tools for emotional regulation. When children learn to use their bodies to manage big feelings, they build lifelong skills in self‑awareness, resilience, and independence.

A Strong Home & School Partnership

At ISDenver, we believe deeply in the connection between home and school. When families and educators use shared language and shared strategies, children feel supported, understood, and safe. That’s when they thrive.

As you prepare to join our community, or continue your journey with us, know that we are here to partner with you. Together, we can help your child build the emotional foundations they need for joyful learning. (Or, if you're still considering school options and will be touring our campus soon, I'd love to say hello and let you know the other ways we are supporting our Early Childhood learners with SEL.)

Want to Learn More?

Here’s a great resource with additional ideas for at‑home heavy‑work activities: Understood.org: Heavy Work Activities for Kids  

Best,

Nick Sawyers  

ECE SEL Specialist