Self-Regulation
This is a free resource filled with self-regulation tips to support young children and teens!
Four Zones Breathing at Home.webmThe Zones of Regulation- Explained for Kids!
Explaining the 4 Zones of Regulation
How to get our bodies back to the green zone
Fun Song to sing with students
What is Self-Regulation?
Why is it important?
Normalizing Regulation, because we all need it!
The 5 domains of stress
The Alert Program and the "just right" zone
Self-Regulation and Stress!
Fight or Flight Response
The fight or flight response
The Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex - the wise owl and guard dog
Stress Behavior vs. Misbehavior
The first step to changing behavior is understanding it!
Learn how to tell the difference between misbehavior and a child who is overwhelmed and overstimulated.
Self-Regulation Starts with
Co-Regulation
Before a student can successfully and independently self-regulate they must be shown how to co-regulate with a trusted adult.
When co-regulation happens the adult becomes the child's inner voice helping them to recognize stressors, respond appropriately and reflect on what worked and what they can try next time.
Many children learn to self-regulate without much thought. However, some children need extra support to learn and use self-regulation strategies effectively in a variety of settings.
Co-Regulation:
When a child is having a major outburst in a group setting, an adult can use him/herself as a tool to get their child back on track. It is not easy to do. It requires significant energy and other supportive adults.
Co-regulation requires that the adult recover quickly from their frustration/confusion before helping their child. The adult needs to be “just right” before they can figure out what their child needs to shift to a “just right” place.
Even More Resources!
Websites
To learn more about the Alert Program and “our engine” check out this website which is full of FREE resources:
To learn more about Dr. Stuart Shanker’s Mehrit Centre and Self Regulation Institute check out this website, which also provides FREE resources:
Books
Dr. Stuart Shanker’s book (available for purchase on Amazon):
Self Reg: How to Help Your Child (And You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life
This kid-friendly book that provides various yoga activities and games about mindfulness (available for purchase on Amazon):
Yoga For Kids: Simple First Steps to Mindfulness, written by Susannah Hoffman