Regulating Our Inner Universe

Help children master nervous system regulation, build emotional resilience, and discover their inner calm through an interactive cosmic adventure.Co-created by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and her neurodiverse son, Regulating Our Inner Universe: A Mindful Space Explorer’s Guide combines an imaginative story with an evidence-informed social-emotional learning curriculum. This comprehensive edition brings together the complete story, age-adapted activity guides, and reproducible worksheets into one essential resource for school, therapy, and home. THE STORY When the heart-shaped constellation Cordium begins to fade, a brave boy named AJ and his playful space-bird guide, Whimsy, blast off in the Sunshine Explorer to restore its light. Along their journey, AJ encounters creatures experiencing intense emotions: the fearful Worrions, the fiery Flamma, and the sorrowful Pluvia. Using simple, powerful tools like deep breathing, grounding, and sensory awareness, AJ helps each creature find peace, courage, and joy. Because this edition intentionally leaves out interior artwork, the story becomes a canvas for young readers. A special introductory prompt invites children to grab their crayons, markers, or paints and draw their own pictures for each chapter. By drawing what the alien worlds, cosmic creatures, and peaceful quiet spaces look like to them, children take active ownership of the story, making nervous system regulation tangible, memorable, and uniquely their own. THE CURRICULUM: EVIDENCE-INFORMED SEL TOOLS FOR ALL GUIDES Designed according to William Horton’s ’Absorb, Do, Connect’ instructional framework, the companion curriculum translates complex regulation concepts into practical, daily routines. It provides structured guidance to help children shift from overwhelm and anxiety into focused, calm, and present states. WHAT IS INSIDE THIS ALL-IN-ONE EDITION:Complete Storybook Text: An engaging narrative that models empathy, nervous system regulation, and emotional literacy. Interactive Illustration Project: A creative invitation that turns reading into an active art activity. Staged Curriculum Activities: Discussion questions and structured activities tailored for both Young Explorers (Grades K to 2) and Middle Navigators (Grades 3 to 5). Core Wellness Concepts: In-depth breakdowns covering body awareness, emotional management, mindful focus, empathy, and resilience. 50+ Reproducible Printable Handouts: Ready-to-use worksheets including breathing visualizers, sensory 5-4-3-2-1 checklists, thought-bubble release guides, anger thermometers, gratitude trees, and word searches. BUILT FOR UNIVERSAL USE Whether you are a classroom teacher, school counselor, pediatric therapist, peer mentor, homeschooler, or parent, this guide offers a flexible approach to emotional well-being. As children practice these life-changing strategies, adults and facilitators will also reinforce their own personal regulation skills. Equip the young explorers in your life with the tools they need to navigate their inner universe, because every child deserves to remember: YOU are amazing. Take care of YOU!