Music profoundly impacts our emotions, making it a powerful tool for helping the Cuddly Koalas learn how to soothe themselves and regulate their feelings. Emotional self-regulation is a vital skill that supports their immediate well-being and ability to navigate challenges, solve problems, and engage in meaningful learning. Incorporating music into moments of relaxation creates a nurturing environment where they can experience and internalise a sense of calm. Through deep breathing and gentle movements, we model what a relaxed state looks and feels like, providing them with a tangible example to follow. To deepen their understanding, we can use descriptive language to help them identify physical sensations associated with calmness—such as feeling soft, loose, light, or at ease. By reinforcing these connections between music, movement, and emotion, we empower the Cuddly Koalas with essential tools for self-regulation that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.
