Understanding how thermosensory signals and self regulation interact can support educators and therapists in thinking more broadly about the sensory context of learning. Thermosensory signals include skin temperature and the perception of warmth or cold. In adult research, these signals have been linked not only to physical regulation but also to how individuals experience their […]
Stimming behaviors are a natural and meaningful way many children regulate their bodies, emotions, attention, and thinking. While stimming is often misunderstood in school and community settings, a neuroaffirming perspective helps shift the focus from stopping behaviors to understanding what students need to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. To support educators, therapists, and […]
In elementary classrooms, challenges with impulse control, following directions, and staying focused are often viewed as behavior problems. However, research continues to show that many of these difficulties are closely tied to working memory demands, not a lack of motivation or effort. Recent research took a closer look at working memory and self regulation skills […]
When behavior feels challenging, overwhelming, or confusing, it is tempting to focus on stopping it as quickly as possible. However, behavior is rarely the problem itself. More often, it is a signal that something beneath the surface is not working as smoothly as it could. Understanding what system is under stress is often the key […]
Support self-regulation and executive functioning in your students with the Freeze Dance Impulse Control Song. It combines music, movement, and mindfulness to help students build impulse control skills. It’s perfect for the classroom, therapy sessions, homeschool, or movement breaks and it includes free printables to support instruction. You can download the FREE freeze dance printables […]
When children understand how their brains work, they gain a powerful tool for success, at school, at home, and in life. Instead of feeling frustrated by big emotions or unexpected reactions, they learn that these moments come from how their brains are wired to protect them. These Calm Brain resources teach students how to notice […]
When students seem to “snap,” shut down, or lose control, it is easy to assume they are being defiant or disrespectful. In reality, many of these reactions come from automatic processes inside the emotional intelligence brain, the system that helps us identify emotions, read social cues, and regulate behavior. At the center of this system […]
The Self Regulation Song is here! Teachers, therapists, and parents can now download a free printable lyric sheet, watch the video, and dance together with students. The song is designed to get kids moving, listening, and practicing important self-regulation skills. You can download your FREE Printable at the bottom of the post. How Does The […]
When we think about self-regulation, we often picture a child’s ability to manage emotions, behavior, and attention. But there’s an important piece of the puzzle we can’t ignore: sensory processing. The way a child takes in, organizes, and responds to sensory information can influence how calm, focused, and flexible they are throughout the day. If […]
Helping students reflect on their own effort is one of the most valuable ways to build independence, persistence, and self-awareness. When children pause to think about how hard they tried instead of only focusing on the outcome, they begin to develop a growth mindset and stronger self-regulation skills. To make this process easier, we’ve created […]