Self Regulation
Where DO I start?
1. Seating & positioning
2. THoughtful Movement Breaks
3. Heavy Work
Top Tips on SEATING AND POSITIONING
See our webpage for seating for more in-depth ideas
Be sure feet are firmly planted on the floor.
Use chairs with arms & backs (cube chairs, office chairs, couches, bean bags etc.)
Use chairs that allow movement
Propped on elbows to write or read
MOVEMENT BREAK DO's and Dont's
From a self regulation standpoint, video movement breaks like Danny-Go! and GoNoodle can be overstimulating for many students. They are fast paced, visually overstimulating, and require good motor planning. If you choose a video, pick one that includes heavy work (see Do the Bear Walk below as an example). Avoid those that have students spin. Use the "settings" option on YouTube to slow the pace of the break for students to learn it.
Try these low tech movement breaks that target heavy work, deep pressure, and breathing for organizing and preparing students for learning activities.
When in doubt-Use Heavy Work!!
K-4 Examples include:
Wall push ups or yoga poses that require student to put weight through their hands- i.e. downward dog, cobra, cat/cow, plank
Animal Walking (link)
Carry a backpack with books in it. Carry lunch crates. Send on a mission to bring books/ a ream of paper to another teacher
Heavy Work at Desk-link to visual strips (Try this before writing tasks)
5-8 Examples:
Carry a backpack with books in it. Carry lunch crates. Send on a mission to bring books/ a ream of paper to another teacher
Heavy Work at Desk-link to visual strips (Try this before writing tasks)
Wall push ups/desk push ups
ToOLS THAT SUPPORT HEAVY WORK/PRESSURE
WHAT ABOUT KiDS THAT ARE LeTHARGIC?
Alerting activities are great for kids that need a pick-me-up! If your student is slouching/leaning on their desk, sleepy, daydreamy, or checked out, try movement.
Fast movements, rotational/spinning movements, and changing head positions quickly tend to wake up students.