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As you start setting up your classroom for a new school year, there’s a lot to think about: seating arrangements, supply labels, bulletin boards, and the flow of daily routines. But one area that often makes a huge difference—and is sometimes overlooked—is the calm-down corner.
More than just a cozy space, a calming corner can be a game-changer for classroom management, emotional regulation, and student well-being.
Whether it’s the excitement of a holiday, the chaos of a substitute teacher, or the pressure of testing season, students experience emotional triggers throughout the
Are your students struggling to stay focused or feeling restless during lessons? As an educator or occupational therapist, you know the challenge of keeping students engaged and motivated throughout the day. That’s where Brain Breaks come in!
Have you ever noticed how your heart races when you’re nervous or how your stomach feels tight when you’re anxious? These are examples of interoception—the ability to sense internal bodily signals. Interoception plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overall well-being, yet it’s a skill often overlooked in traditional education and therapy settings. For parents, teachers, and therapists, and understanding interoception can unlock new ways to support children, especially those with sensory processing differences or autism.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an essential component of education today. Many students face challenges managing their emotions, handling stress, and using effective coping strategies, which can impact their ability to focus, participate, and learn effectively. SEL equips students with the tools they need to understand their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop empathy—all of which are critical for their success in both school and life. Students who feel safe, regulated, and have positive connections with their teachers are more prepared to learn in school.
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.
