Self-Regulation
What Is Self-Regulation?
It's a child's ability to set limits for themselves manage
their own emotions, attention, and behaviour
The ability to self-regulate is essential to the
development of learning skills and work habits, not just only in Kindergarten, but for the rest of a child's life
Different Types of Self-Regulation According to Dr. Shanker
Biological
Emotional
Cognitive
Social
Prosocial
What Self-Regulation Is Not
Self-Regulation ≠ Self-Control
Stress
Children use self-regulation to help them respond and cope with stressors
Stressors
click to edit
Poor sleep
Poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Environment (noise, light, crowds)
How Can Educators Support the Development of Self-Regulation?
Have an individualized approach
Provide time to students as needed
Listen, notice and name the self-regulation as a child demonstrates it (e.g., "I really like that you are using your belly breathing right now to calm your body".)
Provide meaningful opportunities to practice this skill
It is mindful and thoughtful
Can be either controlling/stopping something or doing something
Explicitly teach how to recognize emotions, what they may feel or look like and ways to respond
Teach through play and games
Utilize visual reminders (e.g. pictures of lia listening body)
Build positive relationships
Model and acknowldge what it looks like in our own interactions
Create your environment wisely: do not overload the classroom, rather, create a calming space.
Self-Regulation ≠ Punishment
Help build a sense of "I can make a difference"
Self-Regulation is Part of All the 4 Frames of the Kindergarten Program
Belonging and Contributing
Help develop a positive sense of self
Help establish community and positive relationships
Demonstrating Math and Literacy Behaviours
Expressing their thoughts and feelings through words, music, drama, dance, drawing.
Communicating to others their wants and needs
Problem-Solving and Innovating
Explicit teaching of self-reflection
Modelling and providing strategies for developing a growth mindset
Grit
The power of the word "yet"