Emotional Regulation

Explicitly teach students to notice how they feel in their bodies when they are sad, angry, happy, etc. Discuss what we need to be ready for learning or problem solving. Then brainstorm strategies for calming ourselves when we are dysregulated. Offer some strategies for emotional regulation in addition to what students come up with. Some strategies that have been useful with elementary students are reading a book, deep breathing, listening to music, drawing, yoga stretches, or getting a drink of water. See this resource from Edutopia for some emotional regulation strategies for middle and high school students. Invite students to use them as needed.

How well are students able to communicate how they are feeling?

What strategies are students actively using to get into a calm headspace to learn and to solve problems?

What do you notice about your own emotional regulation?

To learn more about the Zones of Regulation, download these free handouts. Check out this in-depth view of High Tech Elementary Explorer teacher Patricia Lim’s My Calming Plan Lesson designed to help kids identify feelings, learn about the brain, and make a plan for managing their emotions.