Building Self-Regulation Skills and Supports
How often do you observe classroom disruptions such as students being out of their seats unexpectedly, using objects like pencils or other items to tap, and making noises that seem disruptive or at the very least irritating? What about the students who frequently bump into others and have difficulty maintaining physical boundaries during transitions or when in proximity to peers? Perhaps you’ve also noticed the students who seem withdrawn and appear to disconnect from learning by putting their heads down or staring out the window. At first glance, it may seem as though these students are engaging in defiant or disrespectful behavior especially when you have explicitly communicated expectations about what active learning looks like in the classroom. However, if we consider that all behavior is a form of communication, we can better understand the need being met when the behavior is exhibited.
For example, students with sensory processing deficits, ADHD, or other neurological impairments often demonstrate sensory-seeking behaviors that can be misunderstood as noncompliance. Similarly, students who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences may also have heightened nervous systems and seek internal or external ways to self-regulate and feel calm. While it may be difficult to know what is driving every behavior in the classroom, teaching students self-regulation strategies such as self-monitoring and self-instruction can be an effective and proactive approach to reducing disruptive behaviors. Check out this resource from the IRIS Center to learn more about the benefits for teachers and students and click here to explore some classroom strategies to try for every age and school level.
References
The IRIS Center. (2008). SOS: Helping students become independent learners. Retrieved from https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/sr/
Seeberger, C., & CEO, C. S. F. &. (2024, October 1). The Ultimate Guide to Classroom Sensory Activities. Sensory Friendly Solutions. https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/the-ultimate-guide-to-classroom-sensory-activities/#Sensory-Activities-for-Every-Age-and-Level-of-Schooling
