Self-Regulation for Children

ActivityMaterialsStrategyConcept
Breathing BuddyStuffed animal or soft toyChildren practice slow, deep breathing with a “breathing buddy” on their stomachTeaching deep breathing as a way to self-regulate emotions
Feelings WheelPrintable feelings wheel, markersHave children identify their current emotion and use the wheel to explore coping strategiesBuilding emotional vocabulary and self-awareness
Sensory BottlesClear bottles, water, glitter, beadsChildren shake the bottle and focus on the visual calming effectProviding a visual tool for calming down and focusing attention
Calming JarClear jar, glitter, water, glueShake the jar and focus on the swirling glitter as a calming activityPromoting self-regulation through visual distraction and mindfulness
Progressive Muscle RelaxationRelaxing musicGuide children to tense and release different muscle groups to help them relaxTeaching body awareness and how to release tension
Mindful ListeningQuiet environmentChildren listen to soft sounds (e.g., wind chimes, bells) and focus on the soundsTeaching mindfulness and focusing attention to regulate emotions
Safe Space CornerComfortable pillows, blanketsDesignate a safe space where children can go when they feel overwhelmedCreating a designated calming area for emotional regulation
Emotion CharadesEmotion cards or picturesChildren act out different emotions while others guess the feelingDeveloping empathy, emotional recognition, and self-regulation skills
Mood MeterPrintable mood meter chartChildren rate their mood using the color-coded meter to increase emotional awarenessEncouraging self-assessment of emotional states and regulation techniques
Breathing with StrawsStrawsTeach children to breathe slowly through a straw to calm downUsing slow breathing as a self-regulation tool to calm the nervous system
Yoga for KidsYoga matsLead simple yoga poses that focus on body awareness and breathUsing movement and breathing to help children manage emotions
Emotion Coloring SheetsCrayons, printable coloring sheets with emotionsChildren color images that reflect various emotions and discuss how to cope with themUsing creative expression to process and regulate emotions
Freeze DanceMusicPlay music and have children freeze when the music stopsEncouraging children to focus and self-regulate through movement and stillness
Visual Calm Down ChartChart with calm down strategiesDisplay a chart of activities (e.g., breathing, counting to 10) for children to choose fromOffering a visual reference to help children use self-regulation strategies
Counting to 10No materials neededTeach children to count slowly to 10 when feeling upset or frustratedPromoting impulse control and slowing down the emotional response
Calming PlaydoughPlaydoughChildren squeeze, roll, and mold the playdough as a calming activityUsing tactile experiences to reduce stress and engage in self-regulation
Gratitude PracticeGratitude journal or cardsHave children list things they are thankful for to shift focus away from frustrationEncouraging positive thinking to support emotional regulation
Emotion Wheel SpinnerPrintable emotion wheel, spinnerChildren spin the wheel and express how they feel based on the resultEncouraging emotional awareness and vocabulary development
Bubble BreathingBubble wands, bubble solutionChildren blow bubbles slowly, focusing on breathing and the bubble’s movementUsing bubbles to reinforce deep breathing and calm down
Visualization RelaxationGuided audio, quiet spaceGuide children through a calming visualization (e.g., imagining a peaceful beach)Using guided imagery to help children self-regulate their emotions
Stretching RoutinesNo materials neededLead a series of gentle stretches to help children relax and focusEncouraging body awareness and relaxation techniques
Sensory PlaySand, water, textured materialsProvide sensory materials for children to explore with their handsOffering sensory experiences to calm and ground children in moments of dysregulation
Calming PlaylistMusic player, calming musicPlay soft music for children to listen to when they feel overwhelmedUsing music as a tool for emotional regulation and relaxation
Feelings Check-inNo materials neededHave a regular check-in where children identify their current feelings and discuss how to copePromoting emotional literacy and self-awareness
Rocking Chair TimeRocking chair, soft blanketAllow children to rock back and forth in a chair to help soothe emotionsUsing rhythmic movement to regulate emotions and calm the nervous system
Emotion Identification CardsCards with different faces or emotionsShow children different facial expressions and ask them to identify the emotionEnhancing emotional recognition and self-regulation abilities
Soothing AromatherapyEssential oils (lavender, chamomile)Diffuse calming scents in the classroom to create a relaxing environmentUsing scent as a sensory tool to promote calmness and emotional regulation
Mindfulness WalksOutdoor spaceTake a walk and encourage children to focus on their surroundings (e.g., the colors, sounds)Using mindful movement in nature to regulate and refocus attention
Feelings JournalJournal, pensEncourage children to draw or write about their feelings each dayPromoting emotional expression and self-regulation through journaling
Counting BreathsNo materials neededChildren count each breath as they inhale and exhaleHelping children focus their attention and calm themselves through controlled breathing
Calm Down CardsCards with calm down strategies (e.g., “take a deep breath”)Have children choose a card when feeling upset to guide their self-regulationOffering structured steps for children to follow when managing emotions
Progressive Muscle RelaxationNo materials neededGuide children to tighten and relax muscles in their body from head to toeTeaching children how to release physical tension and regulate emotions
Emotion Scavenger HuntPictures of different emotionsHide emotion pictures around the room and have children find them, discussing each oneHelping children learn to identify and understand emotions through a playful activity
Mindfulness Mandala ColoringPrintable mandalas, markersChildren color mandalas while focusing on each movement to promote mindfulnessUsing artistic expression as a mindful activity to regulate emotions
Cuddly Toy TimeSoft toysChildren hold a cuddly toy while engaging in deep breathing or other calming activitiesProviding comfort through tactile touch to regulate emotions
Visual TimerTimerUse a visual countdown timer to help children understand and manage transitions and time limitsProviding structure and predictability to help with emotional regulation during transitions
Deep Breathing with a PinwheelPinwheelChildren blow on a pinwheel to practice deep breathing and watch it spinUsing a visual aid to promote slow, deep breathing for emotional regulation
Emotion SongMusic player, emotion-themed songsTeach children a simple song that helps them identify and regulate their emotionsUsing music to express and manage feelings in a positive, fun way
Emotion Dice GameDice with different emotions on each sideChildren roll the dice and act out the emotion or use a strategy to calm downUsing play-based learning to teach emotional regulation
Time-in CornerCalm space with cushions or bean bagsCreate a time-in space where children can go to reflect on and regulate their emotionsProviding a safe space for children to self-regulate during moments of distress
Feelings Faces MirrorSmall mirror, emotion cardsChildren look in the mirror and practice making different facial expressions to match emotionsEncouraging children to understand and regulate their emotions through facial awareness
Cognitive ReframingNo materials neededTeach children to change negative thoughts (e.g., «I’m too mad») into positive, calming thoughtsHelping children develop cognitive skills to regulate emotions and behavior
Gentle Breathing with a FeatherFeatherChildren practice slow breathing while holding a feather, trying to keep it from fallingPromoting focused breathing and gentle relaxation techniques
Body Scan MeditationQuiet space, guided scriptLead a short body scan meditation where children focus on relaxing each body partDeveloping awareness of physical tension and learning how to relax the body
Emotion PuzzlesEmotion-themed puzzlesChildren complete puzzles that reflect different emotional scenariosHelping children explore emotional responses and coping mechanisms
Heartbeat FocusNo materials neededHave children place their hands on their hearts and focus on their heartbeat to center attentionTeaching mindfulness and focus to help children regulate their emotional state
Gratitude TreePaper tree template, gratitude leavesChildren write things they are thankful for on leaves and place them on the treePromoting positive thinking and emotional regulation through gratitude
Self-Regulation SongMusic player, calming tunesTeach children a simple song about calming down and taking control of their emotionsCreating a song to help children remember and practice emotional regulation skills
Zen GardenSmall sand tray, rake, smooth stonesChildren rake the sand and arrange the stones to create a calming and mindful environmentUsing a sensory activity to promote mindfulness and relaxation
Body Movement Calming RoutineNo materials neededLead children through a series of calm body movements, such as stretching and slow swayingUsing movement to help children release tension and self-regulate their emotions
Color BreathingColored markers, paperChildren practice breathing deeply while focusing on a specific color that represents calmUsing color association to reinforce relaxation and breathing techniques

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