Self-regulation will be a focus in many classrooms at Ballantrae P.S. this year. It is an area in education that is increasingly gaining attention. In short, the ability to self-regulate is the ability to maintain a calm, alert and focused state of mind, regulating behaviour, emotions and learning. Follow this link to learn more:
Self-Regulation Explained
So what are we doing? We are "up-regulating" and "down-regulating" throughout the day. To help students move from hyperalert to calmly focused and alert, we listen to relaxing music, nature sounds or chimes. You'd be amazing at just how calming this can be. To help students move from hypoalert to calmly focused and alert, we get up and move around. We have found lots of opportunities for counting and exercising!
At home, observe your child carefully. Notice when he/she is calmly focused and alert. Is it after a really good night's sleep or a filling and nutritious snack? Maybe it's after being outdoors and getting exercise. Also, talk to your child regularly about how he/she is feeling and what is making him/her feel that way. Children's lives look playful and easy, but to them, sometimes life can feel really stressful. They need help figuring out how they are feeling, why they are feeling that way and what they can do about it.
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