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Connecting Games that Build Self-Regulation

10/27/2020

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Would you like to build children's self-regulation skills while strengthening your relationship and having fun?  Check out these games!

First, here's a little info about self-regulation:

Self-regulation is a complex process that allows children to appropriately respond to their environment. In other words, it helps them manage their emotions, thoughts and behavior. 
It's an active, intentional process that:
  • Develops gradually
  • Includes physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive (thinking) skills
  • Takes lots of practice and repeated learning opportunities
  • Requires intentional planning by the teacher

Here are some examples of self-regulation skills that children learn over time:

  • Taking turns
  • Following directions
  • Using words to communicate
  • Staying on task
  • Ignoring distractions
  • Inhibiting impulsivity
  • Planning one’s actions
  • Reflecting on one’s thinking
  • Cooperating with others
  • Demonstrating empathy
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And now, 11 Games that Develop Self-Regulation:

Most  of these games come from:  Tominey & McClelland (2011). Red light, purple light: Findings from a randomized trial using circle time games to improve behavioral self-regulation in preschool.  Early Education and Development, 22 (3). This research study shows that playing certain games helps children develop self-regulation skills. Try one of these or play any game that helps children stop and think, such as Simon Says. Just make it fun!
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Relaxation Games
  • Sinking Activity – Tell children to imagine that their bodies are very heavy and sinking to the floor, (guided relaxation)
  • Breathing Buddies – Children take deep breaths, lying on their backs with a stuffed animal on their bellies
  • “Eeping On” – Gently bounce a soft fidget toy on the child’s body
Refocusing Games
  • Clapping Exercise – Use a series of claps with a certain pattern
  • Conducting an Orchestra - Wave a conductor’s baton quickly or slowly and have children play instruments accordingly
  • Drum Beats – Give directions for children to move a certain way when you beat the drum
  • Elephant Stampede – Direct the children to mimic sounds of elephants close or far away
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Behavioral Regulation Games
  • Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders – Change up the parts to point to as you sing the song.  Have children point to one body part when you name another.
  • The Freeze Game – Children dance and freeze into position when the music stops
  • Mirror Game - Children take turns making different faces for a partner to imitate
  • Sleep, Sleep! – Direct children to pretend to sleep then wake up as different animals
Have fun playing, connecting, and building self-regulation skills!  
Let me know how it goes, and please share some games that work for your children.
Resources:
  • Florez, I. (2011). Developing young children’s self-regulation through everyday experiences. Young Children, 66 (4),46-51
  • Gillespie, L. G., & Seibel, N. (2006). Self-regulation: A cornerstone of early childhood development. Beyond the journal: Young Children on the web. Retrieved from http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200607/Gillespie709BTJ.pdf
  • Rice, M. Understanding the importance of self-regulation for preschoolers.   http://www.ttacnews.vcu.edu/2012/02/
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    Author

    I'm Diane Goyette, a Child Development Specialist, Trainer, Consultant and Keynote Speaker.  I'm excited to introduce my blog! 
    ​Whether you are a child care provider or administrator, a teacher, a parent, or a helping professional who supports young children and families, I hope you get some helpful tips to make your job easier and more enjoyable! 

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  • Home
  • About ECS
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