Mandala means “circle” or “center.” Coloring mandalas can help to encourage relaxation, relieve stress, facilitate creativity and balance the body. Here are three simple mandalas to color to help to calm the body. They are perfect to add to a quiet corner or calm down kit in the classroom. Check out Yoga Cards at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/yogacards.html […]
Research in Developmental Disabilities published research on secondary and post-secondary student with congenital motor disabilities. By examining a task of throwing a ball at a target, data was collected on self-regulatory aspects (i.e., goal-setting, self-efficacy and self-evaluation). Participants were divided into four subgroups: 1.) normal cognitive development and mild physical disabilities 2.)normal cognitive development and […]
Purpose: Encourage listening skills, following motor commands, self regulation skills and left right directions. Materials: small object i.e. toy car, small doll, etc. Activity: Before you start establish what the movement pattern will be. Try to write it down so the children can refer to it if necessary. For example a pattern could be the […]
More and more research indicates that children with strong self regulation skills in preschool and kindergarten do significantly better on math, reading and vocabulary skills. In addition, children who lack self regulation exhibit excessive weight gain. Below are 3 group games to help children develop self regulation skills. These activities work great for indoor recess […]
Early Education and Development recently published research on whether active play during recess was associated with self-regulation and academic achievement in preschoolers. Fifty one children were assessed on self-regulation, active play, and early academic achievement. The results indicated the following: 1. higher active play was associated with better self-regulation, which in turn was associated with […]
Here is a free self calming deep breathing activity. Print and cut out the deep breathing cards. The child can take 4 deep breaths trying to breath in through the nose (smelling the flowers) and out through the mouth (blowing out the candles). You can print the activity at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/freecalmbreath.html [subscribe2]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research analyzing 275 parental responses to 3 questions on history intake forms regarding concerns and hopes for their children’s outcomes in OT with a sensory integration approach. The results indicated that parents had four types of concerns for their children: 1. self-regulation 2. interacting with peers 3. participating […]
Here is a nice FREE app for little ones who needs some guidance with self regulation and motor planning. It is called Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street. There are 5 different scenarios that include showing a monster getting frustrated with completing a skill. The child has to tap, pop bubbles and more to […]
Here is an excellent article entitled Developing Young Children’s Self Regulation Through Everyday Experiences. It is a 6 page articles with a thorough description of self regulation and how teachers can support the development of it in young children. You can read the article here.
Pediatric therapists and early childhood teachers frequently assess a child’s ability to self regulate. Child Trends has released an excellent document on assessing self regulation. Included in the document are several simple questionnaires to determine a child’s ability to self regulate. The paper recommends that children participate in out of school programs to help improve […]