Regulation Strategies
Here are some strategies that are frequently suggested by therapists and board staff to help with regulation. Click on the picture to learn more about each one.
Regulation Strategies
Regulation is important to all of us. We are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of teaching students to tune in to their feelings and the physical sensations in their bodies, allowing them to find calm, and learn.
Each child is different and strategies will vary in their effectiveness from person to person, and from day to day. This page offers a variety of strategies and some guidance on when they may be appropriate.
Sing along with Margaret as she guides us through the relaxing song "The earth below me"
As always consult with your therapist if you have questions or concerns.
Mindfulness can have a powerful effect on student's alertness and concentration but can be challenging for some students. When doing class-wide mindfulness activities, it is advised to make these voluntary, giving students the option to opt-out or choose another quiet activity.
Self-Calming Exercises: Teach, Test, & Repeat the Best
Teaching students some strategies to help calm themselves, and ask them to identify what works for them. If they find a strategy they like, have them practice it and remind them to use it in the yellow or red zone.
Demonstrate to the student how to use his/her own hands to push down firmly on his thighs. This can be done while sitting at desk and can be calming.
Prayer stretch:
Show your child how to bring both hands to chest level. Next, push both palms together.
Chair pushups:
Demonstrate how to place each hand on the seat of the chair while pushing down to perform a "push up"
Teach Self Massage:
Teach a student to calm him/her self through self massage of their ear lobe. Using their thumb and index finger, gently rub back and forth until relaxed.
Teach your child to calm him/her self through self massage of their hands. Firmly place the palms of each hand together and rub back and forth until feeling more relaxed.
The student may respond well to using their own index finger to place pressure just below their nose and above their upper lip. This can be very calming to some.
Prayer Stretch
Chair Push Ups
Create a "Regulation Toolkit"
Have regulation tools/strategies accessible to all students.
Create a “regulation toolbox” that students can access throughout their day. This should include items that support sensory regulation. Some tools could be:
Noise cancelling headphones
Weighted lap buddies or lap pads
Squeeze/ Stress Balls
Monkey noodles
Calming Scents like vanilla or lavender
Story books or Social Stories
For students with sensory needs, they may require their own personal regulation toolbox.
