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Hey Reader!
How’s it going so far? The first part of the new school year can be filled with a few challenges! Last week we released a great conversation on our podcast with Diane Goyette about helping children “Foster Self-Regulation”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen…do yourself a favor and go listen now. HERE is the link. There was SO MUCH good information on helping upset children get back to a place of learning. Then…I wrote a short post on 2 of the 4 C’s in Diane’s framework – connection and calming. You can read a more in-depth article HERE on what to do to help children when they are upset.
When children are upset, they actually can’t learn new skills. Their brains are so focused on staying safe or being loved that they are literally unable to comprehend reasoning. That means we need to create FUN, engaging opportunities to teach young children self-regulation skills during times when they are not upset. Here are a few tips:
- Freeze Dance – Pick any song. Play a few seconds of the songs while your students dance around however they’d like and then pause the music suddenly. Everyone freezes…almost. Did you know you’re actually teaching self-regulation skills when you play this game? The “forced stop” to body movement wires the brain to be able to stop with specific triggers.
- Copy Cat – The teacher stands facing the children. She moves her body with specific movements without saying anything and the children copy her as fast as they can. One hand on your head, one finger on your cheek, touch your knees, open your mouth, look to the right, look to the left, touch your ears. Start out slow and then speed up. This game helps children develop balance, coordination, attention-span, proprioceptive awareness, and self-control…and it’s so much fun! Allow children to be the leader sometimes for even more laughter and fun!
- Blowing bubbles – take those sweeties outside with some bubble wands and bubble juice and spend a little time blowing bubbles. This forces children to hold the wand still (gross/fine motor control), breathe deeply, control their exhale, and it’s also super fun! Challenge children to blow BIG bubbles and then try to catch or pop floating bubbles. Again…super fun, but helping them learn how to control their bodies and their brains.
Remember that learning only happens when children are calm and connected and having fun. If a child is upset, your goal needs to shift to calming them. You can teach them “how to behave” later when they’ve calmed down and are back in a learning state of mind!
Need more ideas?
HERE is an article from Diane Goyette’s website with 7 strategies to help with Capacity-Building.
HERE is an article from The Inspired Treehouse with lots of games for self-regulation.
HERE is an article from The Center for Developing Children at Harvard University that includes simple, specific activities for each age group.
Cheering you on this week!
-Your ECCN team
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P.S. Question for you: What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your classroom right now? We’d love to hear from you!
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Equipping you personally, professionally, and spiritually at these events!
Save the Date!
January 18, 2025 – Houston
February 1, 2025 – San Antonio
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Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
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