In our previous post titled " Using Co-Regulation to Develop a Child's Self-Regulation ", we explored the crucial role of co-regulation—the process through which adults help children manage their emotions.

But what happens as children grow and start to navigate the more complex environment of school? How can we support them in developing the skills to handle their emotions independently and effectively?

The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Learning Environments

School life is full of social interactions, academic pressures, and emotional challenges. Children’s ability to manage their feelings, whether it’s frustration, anxiety, or navigating friendships, has a direct impact on their learning and wellbeing. Research indicates that students with stronger emotional regulation skills tend to be more engaged, experience greater academic success, and maintain healthier relationships.

On the other hand, difficulties in managing emotions can manifest as disruptive behaviour, withdrawal, or longer-term challenges with mental and physical health. Schools have a vital role to play in equipping children with tools for emotional regulation, preparing them not just for classroom success but for life beyond school.

Laying the Foundations for Lifelong Skills

The journey begins with co-regulation, but it doesn’t stop there. As children grow, they start to internalise strategies and develop independence in managing their emotions. The key is to provide them with a diverse toolkit of approaches that they can adapt and personalise.

Recent research underscores the importance of fostering beliefs that emotions are changeable rather than fixed. When children understand that they can influence how they feel, they are more likely to apply strategies that improve their wellbeing. This growth mindset around emotions is crucial for developing resilience and adaptability.

Practical Classroom Activities for Primary and Secondary Students

Here are some simple, evidence-based strategies that schools can integrate into daily routines to help children of all ages build emotional regulation skills:

Mindful Moments

  • Primary: Start or end the day with 2–5 minutes of deep breathing or visual focus (e.g., watching a glitter jar).
  • Secondary: Introduce guided mindfulness practices like body scans or short meditations to reset between lessons or before assessments.

Feelings Journals

  • Primary: Create simple feelings journals where children draw or write about their emotions, encouraging reflection and awareness.
  • Secondary: Use reflective prompts to help students analyse emotional triggers and responses.

Outdoor Breaks and Nature Walks

  • Primary: Incorporate short outdoor breaks, whether through nature walks or a school garden.
  • Secondary: Organise nature-based activities to provide restorative experiences and stress relief.

Mood Music Moments

  • Primary: Use music to shift the classroom mood and encourage children to create playlists for different feelings.
  • Secondary: Discuss how music can influence emotions and have students develop personal playlists for stress management.

Perspective-Taking Exercises

  • Primary: Use storytelling and role-play to encourage children to consider others' feelings and perspectives.
  • Secondary: Facilitate journaling or discussions where students reflect on how they might advise a friend facing a similar situation.

Creative Expression Activities

  • Primary: Offer drawing, painting, or storytelling activities to help children process emotions.
  • Secondary: Encourage creative writing, poetry, or digital projects as outlets for emotional expression.

Emotion Regulation Toolkit

  • Primary: Help children assemble personal “toolkits” with strategies like breathing exercises, favourite images, or calming objects.
  • Secondary: Support older students in creating toolkits that include advanced strategies like cognitive reappraisal, self-distancing, and positive self-talk.

Peer Support and Co-Regulation

  • Primary: Establish “emotion buddies” to promote empathy and shared problem-solving.
  • Secondary: Facilitate peer-support groups where students discuss stress management and offer encouragement.

A Lifelong Journey

Emotional regulation isn’t just about managing today’s feelings; It’s about preparing children to face life’s challenges with resilience and adaptability. Whether through simple breathing exercises, creative expression, or structured reflective practices, schools play a crucial role in helping children build these lifelong skills.

For a deeper dive into the early development of emotional regulation, revisit our previous post on co-regulation . Then, consider how your classroom or school environment can nurture children’s capacity to manage emotions, equipping them for a brighter, more balanced future.