How to Teach Self-Regulation in the Elementary Classroom

Self-regulation is a vital skill for students to develop in elementary school—and throughout their education. It helps them manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, reducing classroom disruptions and supporting growth. The good news is there are many proven strategies to support both students and teachers in effectively navigating difficult emotions during the school day.

Regular check-ins create a space for students to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, fostering caring relationships between teachers and students and promoting classroom safety. Activities like sticky note check-ins, programs like Zones of Regulation, or quick ways to take the temperature like Roses and Thorns can help maintain consistent connections.

Teaching students about their emotions empowers them to understand how their feelings influence behavior and cognitive functions like attention span, memory, and executive functioning. Tools like mood meters, emotional wheels, or feeling charts can help students build an emotional vocabulary, making it easier to express their needs, especially during stressful moments. Storytelling can also aid in recognizing and naming emotions. During read-alouds in class, students  can identify the emotions and feelings of the characters.

In stressful situations, it’s crucial for students to have the skillset to respond appropriately. Teaching perspective helps them gauge the magnitude of problems. Activities like the "Size of the Problem", which helps students evaluate challenges on a 1 to 5 scale, allows them to understand the difference between minor issues (like a broken pencil) and serious problems (like a family member in the hospital).

Creating a designated space for students to pause and reset can aid emotional regulation. A peace corner, with calming items like bean bags, stuffed animals, and sensory toys, offers students a chance to collect themselves. Activities like mindfulness exercises and breathing techniques can further support emotional regulation.

Ultimately, self-regulation is a lifelong skill that can be taught in elementary school and beyond, to help create supportive, flexible, and effective classroom environments for both students and teachers.

For more resources, read Daniel Leonard’s “19 Ways to Help Elementary Students Self-Regulate.” Special education teacher Nina Parrish’s article, “How to Teach Self-Regulation,” is a great introduction. Literacy equity coach Kathy Collier’s piece, “Self-Regulation Practices for Teachers and Students,” and principal Jasmine Brann’s, “Guiding Students to Manage Their Emotions,” share great strategies for teachers as well.