SELF-REGULATION

Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, attention, and behavior in ways that support positive decisions and interactions.

Teachers can help students develop self-regulation by explicitly teaching strategies and modeling those behaviors themselves

THREE WAYS TEACHERS CAN MODEL SELF-REGULATION

  1. THINK ALOUD

Teachers can explain their thinking when they become frustrated.

Example:

“I am frustrated because this activity did not work the way I expected. I am going to take a breath and try another solution.”

  1. MODEL CALMING STRATEGIES

Teachers can demonstrate:

• Deep breathing
• Counting
• Positive self-talk
• Taking a short break
• Asking for help
• Stretching
• Identifying the problem before reacting

  1. MODEL RESPECTFUL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Teachers can demonstrate how to disagree respectfully.

Example:

“I understand that we disagree. Let’s talk about what happened and find a solution.”

SELF-REGULATION ROUTINE

STOP → NOTICE → BREATHE → THINK → CHOOSE

STOP: Pause before reacting.

NOTICE: Identify the emotion.

BREATHE: Use a calming strategy.

THINK: Consider possible choices and consequences.

CHOOSE: Select an appropriate response.

WHY IT MATTERS

Research has found that school-based social-emotional learning programs can improve students’ social-emotional skills, behaviors, relationships, school functioning, and academic achievement.

Teachers can support these skills by making self-regulation part of everyday classroom interactions rather than teaching it only when a student is experiencing a problem