--- title: Self-Regulation in School-Based Occupational Therapy description: Self-regulation, the ability to manage emotions, focus, and inhibit impulsive behaviors, is crucial for children's success academically and socially. image: https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-10-02%20152919.png --- [![SSG Group Brand](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheSteppingStonesGroup_February2021/images/SSG_logo.png?width=1640&height=421&name=SSG_logo.png "SSG Group Brand")](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Home](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Careers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/) - [Search Open Jobs](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Quick Apply](https://steppingstones.careercenter.smartsearch.plus/registration/) - [Transforming Support](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/professional-development/) - [Travel & Transform](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/travel/) - [Refer a friend](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/referral-program/) - [Parents](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/) - [Schools](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/) - [Telepractice](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/telepractice/) - [Referrers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/referrers/) - [About SSG](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/about/) - [Our Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/services/) - [Our Story](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/) - [Meet Our Team](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/#leadership_team) - [Contact](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/contact/) ![](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-10-02%20152919.png) # Self-Regulation in School-Based Occupational Therapy Wed, Oct 11, 2023 Self-regulation, the ability to manage emotions, focus attention, and inhibit impulsive behaviors, is crucial for children's success both academically and socially. As Occupational therapists, we play a significant role in helping children acquire these skills. Some of the popular frameworks utilized are the Zones of Regulation program, ALERT program, Mindfulness activities, and Yoga.     Incorporating Self-Regulation in IEP Goals  Self-regulation goals can be integrated into IEP goals in several ways that can improve focus during classroom activities or reduce anxiety during transitions.  The Zones of Regulation program organizes our feelings, levels of alertness, and energy levels into four zones: Red (Angry/Scared), Blue (Sad/Tired), Yellow (Agitated/Worried), and Green (Focused/Calm). During the day, children transition from one zone to another based on the time of day, activity, people, and environmental situations. Within this framework, you can implement various calming strategies:  - Deep Breathing: Effective for moving from Yellow to Green Zone.  - Counting to 10: Helpful for transitioning from the Red to Yellow Zone.  - Sensory Breaks: Useful for all zones, these can include tactile or vestibular activities like deep pressure touch (squeezing a ball or putty), movement activities (taking a walk), and even videos from creators like [GoNoodle](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2YBT7HYqCbbvzu3kKZ3wnw).   - Positive Affirmations: Encourages a shift from Blue to Green Zone.  Classroom Implementation Teachers can set up a “Calming Corner" where kids can have easy access to these calming strategies. This would be equipped with sensory tools such as stress balls, sensory bins, fidgets, deep breathing charts, yoga poses, and coloring books. Teachers can also integrate "Feelings check-ins" into the daily schedule, where students identify their emotions, how their bodies feel, and what strategies they might use to regulate themselves.  Teaching classroom-based strategies enable students to be equipped with skills to self-regulate, which in turn leads to better focus and engagement in learning.  *Author: Jameela Lavangia, MA OTR/L * Tags: [Occupational Therapy](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/occupational-therapy), [IEP](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/iep), [therapy](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/therapy), [Self-regulation](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/self-regulation), [Zones of Regulation](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/zones-of-regulation), [Social-emotional learning](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/social-emotional-learning) [Back to Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com) Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog. ## Related Articles ##### [Building Connection Through Sensory Play](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/building-connection-through-sensory-play) Sensory play provides many benefits to children, including stimulating a child’s senses to build... [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/building-connection-through-sensory-play) ##### [Navigating IEP Meetings with Confidence this New Year](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/navigating-new-year-ieps) For school-based SLPs, IEP is a well-known acronym used probably daily. Individualized Education... 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