As occupational therapists and educators, we understand the importance of creating an optimal learning environment for our students. With the pressures of testing, difficulty with
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to navigate emotions and regulate behavior is more critical than ever for students’ success and well-being. As educators, occupational therapists, and school counselors, we play a pivotal role in equipping our students with the necessary coping strategies and self-regulation techniques to thrive in both academic and social settings.
Taking away recess as a punishment for incomplete tasks hinders rather than helps. Play is important for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Depriving children of recess undermines their overall well-being, hindering growth and creating a counterproductive learning environment. Students need recess for self-regulation and executive function. It is a time to play and problem-solve with their peers, get a movement break and some fresh air.
In the classroom, students may misbehave due to various factors, including unmet sensory needs, difficulty with self-regulation, or challenges in social-emotional learning (SEL). Creating a calming corner can be a great strategy.
Why should you incorporate movement into your classroom?
Are your students struggling with emotions and having difficulty choosing coping strategies to regulate their bodies? Are they off-task, disruptive, distracted, or impulsive? Do you need ideas to help manage these behaviors? All Behaviors have a reason and students will do well when they can.
No matter what part of the year you are in, Summer school, Back to School, or mid-year, most of us are looking for ways to enhance the social-emotional growth of our students. With all the challenges our students face we need ways to teach them about their emotions, that all emotions are ok and we sometimes need to find ways to manage them. Building their understanding of their triggers, and creating a personal inventory of coping skills can be beneficial throughout their life.
I love finding any game I can use to support my use of the Zones™ curriculum. I am always looking for games and activities that incorporate all 4 zones colors, blue, green, yellow, and red. For more information on the Zones of Regulation™ by LEAH KUYPERS, MA ED., OTR/L please use their website.
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