Emotional Control- This is the ability for an individual to their emotions in different situations. This type of control appears as the individual manages their response to emotional stimuli such as seeing something that normally makes them sad, or getting overly excited. Often individuals with weak emotional control have difficulties with criticism and dealing with transitions if something does go wrong.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a strategy that is underestimated in classrooms but is truly coming along. There are many strategies that are listed under the umbrella of mindfulness, including: yoga, breathing exercises, daily physical activity, counting to 10 and other tricks that allow students to manage their emotional responses. Mindfulness can be used for students who have difficulties dealing with transitions, criticism or change, but it can also be used as a whole class activity to prevent any stress on students as a prevention strategy from any behaviours escalating.
Mindfulness is a strategy that can also be integrated into your lessons as part of the curriculum in order to enhance students' emotional mind set and ensure that they are comfortable in their own skin. Especially in the early elementary level, students tend to get upset very easily, and by teaching them meditation and relaxation strategies of the mind and body, students will learn how to support themselves and how to act in stressful/difficult situations.
Mindfulness is a strategy that can also be integrated into your lessons as part of the curriculum in order to enhance students' emotional mind set and ensure that they are comfortable in their own skin. Especially in the early elementary level, students tend to get upset very easily, and by teaching them meditation and relaxation strategies of the mind and body, students will learn how to support themselves and how to act in stressful/difficult situations.
Establish Supports
Establishing strong emotional supports within the students' lives is crucial and often very difficult. The teacher should ensure that a climate of support is established in the classroom and that the room is considered a safe place. The teacher should work hard in establishing strong lines of communication with the parents to create a sense of continuity in the student's life. These supports can take shape in many forms whether its ensuring the student that they can talk to the teacher about anything at anytime, or just opening the door to students who are having difficulty with a school related problem. Establishing these supports early will develop healthier habits by the student as they shift out of the school environment and look for their own supports within their lives. This 'self-regulation' strategy is more about creating a climate around the student that will allow for further self-regulation strategies to be used.
How did these strategies work for you? Was there a better way of implementation or any information that we forgot? Please use the comment section below to provide us and our users with more information about this toolbox.