Teaching Students Self-Regulation in the Classroom

Amber Calderon
Classroom Champions
3 min readNov 29, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of education, one skill stands out as a game-changer for student success: self-regulation. In our bustling classrooms, fostering this crucial ability isn’t just about creating a peaceful environment; it’s about empowering students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, regulate emotions, and thrive in their learning journey.

Picture this: a classroom where kids are more focused, engaged, and emotionally balanced. That’s the magic of self-regulation! It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a superpower that empowers our students to navigate through life’s rollercoaster of emotions while staying centered and focused on their goals.

Keep reading for key strategies and practical approaches for teaching self-regulation in the classroom.

Understanding Self-Regulation

So, what exactly is self-regulation? It’s like the conductor of an orchestra, guiding emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. As educators, we play a pivotal role in nurturing these skills. When our students understand self-regulation, they’re better equipped for academic success and maintaining healthy relationships.

Why Self-Regulation Matters

When students grasp self-regulation, they become more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle challenges.

Use the Emotions Toolkit

The Emotions Toolkit by Classroom Champions is a treasure trove designed to equip students with tools for emotional success. Inside this FREE toolkit, you’ll find game-changing resources:

  1. Mindful Breathing: Think of it as a mental reset button! We’re teaching kids different breathing exercises to help them find their calm amidst the storm of emotions.
  2. Win the Moment: Did you know we experience around 400 emotions every day? It’s wild! But with this toolkit, we’re teaching kids not just to feel those emotions but also to change them by tweaking their mindset. It’s all about shifting perspectives!
  3. Grounding Techniques: Okay, so now we’ve got the tools, but how do we use them when emotions take over? These exercises provide students the tools to help them when the big emotions take over.

Practical Self-Regulation Classroom Strategies

You might be wondering, “How do I incorporate this into my classroom?” It starts with creating a supportive environment. Routines and clear expectations are our trusty sidekicks here. These help students feel secure and know what to expect, reducing anxiety and promoting self-control.

Start small. Introduce a breathing exercise during morning meetings or use the Emotions Wheel during group discussions. The goal is to make self-regulation a natural part of your classroom culture.

Incorporating Self-Regulation Across Subjects

Self-regulation isn’t limited to a specific subject — it’s a life skill. We can infuse it into everything we teach! Math problems? Yup, self-regulation can help with staying focused. Language arts? Absolutely, it aids in expressing emotions effectively. Even during physical activities or games, we can weave in self-regulation techniques.

The Emotions Wheel Download

The Emotions Wheel is a visual aid that’s as cool as it sounds! It helps students identify and understand their emotions better. This wheel isn’t just a fancy prop; it’s a tool for emotional exploration and regulation. You can download it for free and witness the magic firsthand!

Free Download!

Wrapping It Up

Teaching self-regulation isn’t just about managing classroom behavior; it’s about nurturing lifelong skills. So, grab that Emotions Toolkit, dive into the Emotions Wheel, and let’s empower our students to regulate their emotions like emotional superheroes!

Remember, as educators, you’re making a world of difference. Keep championing those hearts and minds!

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