SELF REGULATION ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

When it comes to helping kids learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior, there are a lot of different strategies teachers can use in the classroom. Of course, some kids may need more help than others, but introducing self regulation strategies can be a great way to get all of your students on the path to success. Here are a few different types of self regulation activities for kids that you can try in your own classroom.

WHAT IS SELF REGULATION FOR KIDS?

Self regulation is the ability to control one’s emotions, impulses, and behavior. It is a critical life skill that kids need to learn in order to be successful both academically and socially. Self regulation activities and resources can help them develop this important skill.

WHY IS SELF REGULATION IMPORTANT FOR KIDS?

There are a number of reasons why self regulation is so important for kids. First, it can help them academically. Kids who can self regulate are more likely to pay attention in class and stay on task. They’re also less likely to act out or be disruptive. Self regulation can also help kids socially. Kids who can self regulate are more likely to get along with others and make friends easily. Children who are able to self regulate can reduce anxiety and stress in their lives. They are more likely to be able to handle transitions both in the classroom and in life. For younger children especially, self regulation strategies can decrease the number of tantrums, outbursts, and meltdowns.

HOW TO HELP KIDS LEARN SELF REGULATION

There are a number of different ways you can help kids learn self regulation. Here are a few ideas:

HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THEIR EMOTIONS

A big part of self regulation is being able to understand and identify your emotions. You can help kids with this by teaching them about the different types of emotions and how to label them. This begins their journey of self-awareness when it comes to their behaviors and emotions. Read more on emotional regulation here.

MODEL SELF REGULATION YOURSELF

Kids learn best by example, so it’s important that you model self regulation yourself. When you’re feeling angry or frustrated, take a deep breath and count to 10. Let your students see that it’s okay to feel emotions, but also that it is important to know how to deal with them in a constructive way.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS TO PRACTICE

It’s one thing to talk about self regulation, but it’s another thing to actually practice it. Make sure you provide opportunities for kids to do this in your classroom. For example, you can do breathing exercises together or play games that require kids to control their impulses. Fun activities will help students work on their emotional regulation skills.

SELF REGULATION ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Here are a few different self regulation activities for kids that you can try in your own classroom:

BREATHING EXERCISES

Doing breathing exercises is a great way to help kids calm down and focus. It can help balance their big emotions, and put them in a healthy emotional state. There are a number of different breathing exercises you can do with kids. One simple one is to have them sit in a chair with their feet flat on the ground and their hands on their laps. Then, have them take deep breaths in through their nose and count to four. They should hold their breath for a count of four, and then breathe out slowly through their mouth for a count of eight. Check out more great breathing activities to help with self regulation.

YOGA

Yoga is another great activity for helping kids calm down and focus. There are a number of different yoga poses you can do with kids. One simple one is the “tree pose.” To do this, kids stand with their feet together and their hands at their sides. They then raise one foot and place it on their inner thigh, ankle, or calf. They should be sure to keep their hips squared and their gaze forward.

Here is more information on yoga and self regulation:

• 5 Yoga Poses for Self Regulation
• Yoga for Preschoolers to Help with Self Regulation
• Yoga and Self Regulation Strategies for Middle and High School Students

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and focusing on your breath. You can do a number of different mindfulness activities with kids. One simple one is to have them sit in a chair with their eyes closed and focus on their breath. They should inhale and exhale slowly and try to clear their mind of all thoughts.

Read more:

• Mindfulness for Preschoolers
• Mindfulness Activities for Young Children
• Teaching Mindfulness to Children

ART

Art can be a great way for kids to express their emotions. It can also be a creative way to help them calm down and focus. There are a number of different art activities you can do with kids. One simple one is to have them draw a picture of themselves feeling calm and happy.

MUSIC

Listening to music or playing an instrument can be a great way to allow kids to focus on an activity. There are a number of different music activities you can do with kids. One simple one is to have them sit in a chair and close their eyes while they listen to calming music.

MOVEMENT

Getting kids up and moving is a great way to help them release energy and focus. There are a number of different movement activities you can do with kids. One simple one is to have them march in place or do some gentle stretches.

SELF REGULATION GAMES

Finding fun games to play that also help with self regulation skills is a win-win. Here are some great self regulation games.

• Simon Says
• Red Light, Green Light
• Freeze Dance
• Boom Cards

Read more ideas for self regulation games here that require NO equipment! Read here for activities for elementary students when stressed or emotional.

DO MY STUDENTS NEED HELP WITH SELF REGULATION?

If you’re not sure if your students need help or intervention with self regulation, there are a few signs to look for. Students who struggle with self regulation may:

• Have trouble following directions
• Act impulsively without thinking
• Struggle to stay on task
• Get easily frustrated or angry
• Lash out at others
• Exhibit mental health issues

If you notice any of these signs in your students, it may be helpful to provide them with some self regulation activities. For some students you may want to set annual self regulation goals to work on improving these skills.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN KIDS CAN SELF REGULATE

When kids can self regulate, it’s a beautiful thing! If you think you’re at this point evaluate whether they are able to:

• Follow directions
• Stay on task
• Emotional control
• Handle frustration in a constructive way
• Express their emotions in a healthy way
• Appropriate emotional responses

If you notice your students exhibiting these behaviors, it’s a good sign that they are able to self regulate. Self regulation is an important skill for kids to learn and one that will serve them well throughout their lives.

It is important for kids to learn self regulation strategies. These are skills they will use from now through well into adulthood, and will help with their lifelong social-emotional learning. By teaching self regulation in your classroom, you’re helping your students set themselves up for success. Self regulation activities for kids can help them calm down, focus, and express their emotions. Need some more resources for self regulation strategies? Check out some more ideas here.