Big reactions to small problems can be confusing for teachers, therapists, counselors, and other school staff. A pencil breaks, someone sits in a student’s usual seat, the schedule changes unexpectedly, or a student makes one mistake, and suddenly there may be tears, yelling, shutting down, refusal, or leaving the area. These reactions can be connected […]
Physical activity and emotional intelligence may be connected in teens. During middle school and early high school, students face many changes. Schoolwork can get harder. Friendships can become more complex. Emotions may also feel stronger. Emotional intelligence is the ability to notice, understand, and manage emotions. These skills can help students handle stress, solve problems, […]
Helping children name and understand their emotions is an important step toward building self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. These free emotions kids sample PDF printables introduce three emotions using clear definitions, relatable examples, and practical strategies. The free printable packet includes three full-color pages from the Complete Emotions A to Z Posters. You can download […]
These Finish the Faces identify emotions worksheets give children a hands-on way to practice recognizing facial expressions while drawing the missing mouth on each face. The printable is free, and you can download it at the bottom of this post. What’s Included in These Identify Emotions Worksheets This free PDF includes two printable pages. Both […]
Self-regulation vs. emotional regulation is a distinction that comes up often in school-based practice, yet the two terms are frequently used as if they mean the same thing. For occupational therapists, physical therapists, school counselors, special educators, and other support staff working with students who have neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability, […]
ADHD and emotional regulation are closely connected for many children in school settings. While inattention and hyperactivity are the most recognized signs of ADHD, difficulties managing emotions are also a common and significant part of how this condition shows up in daily life. These emotional challenges can affect how children perform in class, interact with […]
Does your child sometimes feel overwhelmed by big emotions: a racing heart, shaky hands, a tight tummy and not know what to do with all of that? When My Feelings Get Too Big is a song designed to help kids recognize the body signals that come with big feelings and practice simple, effective calm-down steps […]
Pathological demand avoidance in students is one of the more misunderstood profiles that school-based professionals encounter. Students who experience this profile may appear defiant, unpredictable, or emotionally volatile, but what looks like willful noncompliance is more accurately understood as an anxiety-driven, neurological response to perceived loss of control. For educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and […]
Supporting children’s emotional intelligence helps them understand their feelings, build empathy, develop self-control, and navigate social situations successfully. The 20 ways to teach emotional intelligence make it easy, fun, and meaningful for kids at school, in therapy sessions, or at home. Read below or watch the video. Don’t forget to check out the complete Fun […]
Helping children explore the connection between music and emotions is a powerful way to build self-awareness, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence. This free activity is an easy, engaging lesson you can use in the classroom, therapy sessions, counseling groups, or at home. Best of all, you can download a FREE printable reflection worksheet and pair it […]