How to create an inclusive and supportive environment at your school with movement therapy

“Nothing happens until something moves”- Albert Einstein

Dance and movement have been a thing of exquisite joy for all of us to witness and engage in. The type of classroom environment that a school creates and encourages can either increase or decrease a student’s ability to learn and feel comfortable as a member of the class. The school environment should do as much to foster cooperation and acceptance as the teaching methods that the teacher uses.

Schools that include Movement Therapy in their curriculum, will help encourage emotional well-being and create an atmosphere for both learning and emotional development in kids. JOOPOP with schools’ support creates an atmosphere of mutual respect, where students feel relaxed in expressing their thoughts and feelings. By implementing a few strategies that address the areas that help develop a strong sense of community and encourage positive interactions and cooperative learning in students.

Movement Therapy or DMT works on the mind and body it works on mental health and physical health. Movement Therapy helps in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and it plays a vital role. It helps to understand behaviour, emotional, and cognitive issues and helps to get across to diverse kids. It uses methods like visualization, mirroring, ice-breaking, free movement, team building, etc. It aids their emotional regulation and gives kids the freedom to channel their emotions and energy. Especially in a safe space and schools should provide that environment.

Movement Therapy is activity-based. It is a good way to develop skills in children. They will experience a new world through movement. They express their fears, anger, and joy. These are the benefits when schools include Movement therapy in their curriculum

1. It encourages awareness and self-discovery. Help students identify their areas of strength and areas of need.

2. Teach students to self-monitor their work. This allows them to see their progress and identify areas they need to work on. This gives them ownership for making the steps necessary to meet their goals.

3. It prepares students for participation. Students need to be aware of what takes place in their surroundings to understand how to be an active participant.

Movement Therapy can facilitate a positive start to the school and provide a structured and encouraging environment. Planning and applying Movement therapy in the curriculum is imperative to successful teacher-student interaction and to creating a positive classroom environment.