Self-Regulation in Schools Course

Description

Course Description: Self-Regulation in Schools

One thing that we’re seeing more than ever is a need for self regulation skills in kids. This is a need at home, at school, and in therapy sessions. Because of that, we decided to support you with an info series on all things regulation and how specific strategies like heavy work (and other activities) helps to support these needs.

The information in this course is relevant to the profession of occupational therapy because as school-based OT, we support students that struggle with the emotional regulation needed for participation in the school environment. These skills fall within the scope of practice of occupational therapy because without the ability to regulate one’s emotions and resulting behaviors, learning, social interactions, and participation in the school day is impacted. Self-regulation effects functional occupations including, but not limited to: using attention for learning in the classroom, playing with peers at recess, completing classroom assignments, participating in meals in the school cafeteria, and many other aspects of occupation in the school environment.

This course focuses on empowering participants to support students’ self-regulation through evidence-based tools like heavy work, deep breathing exercises, and emotional awareness strategies. Grounded in the occupational therapy scope of practice, the course highlights how self-regulation impacts functional occupations, including focus, social interactions, and classroom participation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why behaviors and big emotions affect learning and participation.
• The connection between emotions, the fight-flight-freeze response, and self-regulation challenges.
• The role of heavy work, proprioceptive input, and whole-body movements in supporting regulation.
• How to teach deep breathing techniques to hijack anxiety and promote calm.
• Practical ways to integrate self-regulation tools into classroom settings.

Course Modules and Lessons:

1. Behaviors that Impact Functioning:
   • Importance of Self-Regulation
2. Self-Regulation and Emotions:
   • Emotions Activities for Therapy
   • Why Teaching Kids About Emotions Matters
3. Heavy Work for Self-Regulation Needs:
   • Proprioceptive Input and Heavy Work for Self-Regulation
   • Heavy Work Activities for Regulation
4. Deep Breathing to Support Self-Regulation:
   • How Deep Breathing Hijacks Anxiety, Worries, and Overwhelm
   • Deep Breathing Tools for Self-Regulation
5. Self-Regulation in the Classroom:
   • Practical Use of Self-Regulation Tools in the Classroom

Course Objectives:

• Identify the connection between emotions, the fight-flight-freeze response, and self-regulation challenges.
• Explore evidence-based tools like heavy work and deep breathing to help students regulate emotions and behaviors in school.
• Understand how self-regulation impacts participation in school activities, from learning to social interactions.

Course Format:
This self-paced online course includes:

• On Demand format- Complete the course at your own pace
• Downloadable resources
• Real-life examples
• Actionable tools

Accreditation Information:
This course awards 1.2 contact hours or .12 CEUs upon completion. While this course is not yet AOTA-accredited, a certificate of completion will be provided.