Trauma-Informed Emotional Regulation & Well-Being in Early Learning Settings , specifically focusing on the Holistic Emotional Regulation

Activity	Materials	Strategy	Concept

Mindful Breathing

Soft music, visual breathing guides

Model slow, deep breathing for children during transitions

Co-regulation through modeling calm breathing to reduce stress

Emotion Wheel

Emotion wheel, markers

Have children point to or color the emotion they’re feeling

Visual tool to help children identify and label emotions

Calming Jar

Glitter, water, jar

Create a calming jar together to be used during moments of distress

A sensory tool for helping children self-regulate and focus

Safe Space Creation

Pillows, soft blankets, calming colors

Designate a cozy corner as a «safe space» for children to self-soothe

Creating a physical environment that supports emotional safety

Co-Regulation Modeling

Storybooks, puppets

Use puppets or dolls to model emotional responses and co-regulation

Modeling appropriate emotional responses to foster emotional learning

Gentle Touch

Soft toys, calming lotions

Teach and model gentle touch for calming and soothing

Physical touch as a tool for comfort and emotional regulation

Emotion Charades

Emotion cards, space for acting

Children act out different emotions for others to guess

Teaching emotional expression and empathy through play

Body Scan Activity

Relaxing music, guided body scan script

Guide children through a body scan to release tension

Building body awareness to help regulate emotions through physical awareness

Safe Words for Feelings

Emotion word cards, posters

Introduce «safe words» for children to express emotions when upset

Encouraging emotional literacy and verbal expression

Modeling Self-Regulation

Calm voice, visuals of breathing patterns

Consistently model self-regulation through calm speaking and breathing

Showing children how to self-regulate through caregiver example

Trauma-Informed Story Time

Trauma-sensitive storybooks

Read stories that reflect resilience, coping, and overcoming adversity

Using literature to introduce concepts of resilience and coping skills

Gentle Transitions

Visual schedule, timer

Use visual timers and verbal cues to ease transitions

Prevent emotional overwhelm by supporting predictability and routine

Affirmation Cards

Pre-made affirmation cards

Use affirmation cards to help children build self-esteem

Strengthening emotional well-being with positive affirmations

Emotion Journal

Journals, stickers, drawing materials

Children draw or write about how they’re feeling

Encouraging emotional reflection and expression

Mindful Listening

Quiet space, nature sounds

Practice listening to calming sounds or quiet music together

Developing emotional awareness and presence in the moment

Yoga for Kids

Yoga mats, kid-friendly yoga guide

Guide simple yoga poses to promote physical and emotional balance

Promoting emotional regulation through physical movement

«Feelings» Scavenger Hunt

Emotion cards, objects representing different feelings

Go on a scavenger hunt to find objects that match specific emotions

Connecting emotions with physical objects to reinforce emotional literacy

Breathing Buddy

Stuffed animal or soft toy

Teach children to breathe deeply with their «breathing buddy»

Using playful props to teach breathing for emotional regulation

Emotion Sorting

Emotion pictures, baskets or trays

Sort pictures of faces showing different emotions

Teaching children to recognize and categorize emotions

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Relaxing music, guided script

Lead children through a muscle relaxation technique

Teaching children to release physical tension to regulate emotions

Feelings Circle

Circle seating, discussion prompts

Have a daily feelings circle where children can share their emotions

Building a supportive, open environment for emotional expression

Calming Music

Music instruments, sound machines

Play calming music and allow children to create or listen

Using sound as a tool for emotional calming and focus

Behavior Reflection

Emotion charts, whiteboard

Reflect on behaviors by discussing how actions match feelings

Helping children connect their actions to emotional states

Brain Breaks

Movement space, energizing music

Incorporate brief physical activities to release tension and reset

Helping children release pent-up energy and refocus emotionally

Trauma-Informed Care Training

Training materials, videos

Provide staff with ongoing training on trauma-informed care principles

Promoting awareness and compassion for children with trauma histories

Emotion Stickers

Stickers with different emotions, chart

Use emotion stickers to help children express how they’re feeling

Visual reinforcement for emotional identification and communication

Soothing Visuals

Calming images, soft lighting

Place calming visuals around the room to help reduce anxiety

Creating a visually soothing environment to promote emotional well-being

Co-Regulation via Shared Play

Blocks, art supplies, storybooks

Engage in play activities where caregivers model emotional regulation

Learning emotional control through shared interactive experiences

Mindfulness Bells

Bells, chimes, soft sounds

Ring a mindfulness bell to signal moments for quiet, focused breathing

Using sound cues for emotional reset during moments of transition

Safe Touch Agreements

Posters, agreement forms

Establish and discuss safe touch rules with children

Reinforcing safety and respect for personal boundaries

Emotion Mapping

Large paper, crayons, emotion stickers

Create a visual map of where emotions are felt in the body

Building body awareness and emotional literacy through mapping

Developmental Trauma Discussion

Research articles, case studies

Hold regular discussions on trauma-informed practices for staff

Educating staff on developmental trauma and its impact on children

Visualization for Calm

Soft lighting, guided visualization scripts

Lead children through a calming visualization activity

Teaching children how to create their own mental «safe space» for emotional regulation

Therapeutic Art Time

Paints, markers, colored pencils

Offer open-ended art activities where children can express emotions visually

Encouraging emotional release and expression through creative outlets

Co-Regulation Through Modeling Self-Soothing

Soft toys, blankets

Model self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing and positive self-talk

Demonstrating and teaching children calming techniques for emotional regulation

Stress-Relief Toys

Squishy balls, fidget toys

Provide stress-relief toys for children to use during moments of heightened emotions

Offering tools for children to self-regulate during stressful situations

Group Hug Time

Soft blankets, calm voices

Hold short group hugs or a «group cuddle» to promote connection and comfort

Using physical proximity and affection to help children feel emotionally safe

Developmental Trauma and Attachment Styles Seminar

Guest speakers, staff training materials

Conduct staff seminars to discuss trauma and attachment styles

Understanding how attachment styles affect emotional regulation in children

Sensory Integration Activities

Textured toys, soft cloths, calming visuals

Provide activities that engage the senses to help children calm down

Using sensory input as a tool to help children manage emotions

Cooperative Games

Board games, puzzles, group toys

Use cooperative games to teach children collaboration and shared emotional responsibility

Promoting emotional regulation through teamwork and shared goals

Relaxation Mats

Mats, soft blankets, calming visuals

Create a designated relaxation area with calming mats and visuals

Creating a space for children to decompress and practice self-regulation

Attachment-Based Emotional Support

One-on-one caregiver interactions

Provide individualized emotional support based on the child’s attachment needs

Supporting emotional safety and security through personalized care

Teacher Self-Care Breaks

Quiet space, journals, relaxation materials

Encourage educators to take regular breaks for self-care and emotional reset

Teacher resilience through prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout

Storytelling for Emotional Growth

Puppets, picture books

Use storytelling as a tool for teaching emotional awareness and coping strategies

Teaching emotional resilience and problem-solving through narrative

Co-Regulation via Peer Support

Group play materials, emotion charts

Promote peer interactions where children practice helping each other regulate

Encouraging children to co-regulate through peer support and empathy

Reflective Journaling for Educators

Journals, pens

Encourage educators to reflect on their emotional responses to children’s behavior

Enhancing teacher emotional regulation through reflective practice

Daily Emotional Check-ins

Check-in board, emotion visuals

Have children check in daily with how they’re feeling using visual aids

Promoting daily emotional awareness and communication

Restorative Practices

Circle seating, restorative prompts

Introduce restorative practices for conflict resolution and emotional repair

Fostering emotional healing and responsibility through restorative practices

Therapeutic Group Play

Soft toys, dolls, play kitchens

Provide group play opportunities where children learn social-emotional skills through interaction

Teaching social-emotional competence through cooperative play experiences

Breath-and-Count Technique

Counting cards, calming sounds

Teach children to count slowly during deep breathing exercises to manage emotions

Helping children slow down their emotional reactions using breath and numbers

Stress-Relieving Exercise Breaks

Open space, exercise videos

Incorporate short physical activity breaks to reduce stress

Releasing tension and promoting emotional regulation through movement

Children’s Empowerment Activities

Role-play props, storybooks

Encourage children to take on roles and make decisions in cooperative activities

Promoting emotional self-efficacy by giving children agency in group settings

Developing Emotional Safety in Classroom Routines

Visual schedules, soft timers

Use consistent routines and visual schedules to create a predictable and emotionally safe environment

Creating a sense of security and calm through structured routines and transitions

Body Movement for Emotional Release

Space for movement, music

Guide children through gentle body movements to help release pent-up emotions

Using movement as a strategy to release tension and promote emotional balance

Positive Reinforcement for Emotional Growth

Reward charts, praise

Reinforce positive emotional behaviors through praise and rewards

Building emotional regulation by acknowledging and reinforcing desired behaviors

Soothing Affirmation Time

Affirmation cards, mirrors

Use affirmations for children to repeat or reflect on during moments of distress

Cultivating emotional resilience through positive, affirming self-talk

Emotional Regulation Through Routine

Daily schedule, visual supports

Establish consistent routines that include time for emotional expression and regulation

Helping children feel secure and regulated through structured daily activities

Healing Arts and Crafts

Healing materials, natural objects

Provide creative outlets for children to express emotions through arts and crafts

Using creative expression as a tool for emotional processing and regulation

Peer Emotional Support Circle

Group seating, emotion cards

Set up a peer support circle where children can share feelings and help one another

Fostering community-based emotional regulation and empathy

Active Listening with Children

Storybooks, seating arrangement

Practice active listening with children by reflecting on their emotions and needs

Promoting emotional connection and validation through active listening

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