Self-regulation is a skill that looks different for everyone and takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Even as adults, we are constantly refining how we self-regulate, learning how to manage our emotions, thoughts, and actions in various situations.
For students, mastering self-regulation can feel like an uphill climb. But when paired with self-assessment, it becomes a reflective and empowering journey. Self-assessment encourages students to pause, evaluate, and adjust their behaviors, helping them build lifelong habits of awareness and control.
Here are four strategies I’ve found particularly effective in supporting students on this path.
1. The Regulation Rating Scale
Self-awareness is the foundation of self-regulation. A “Regulation Rating Scale” helps students gauge their emotional and academic readiness throughout the day.
How it works:
Create a simple scale from 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “I feel overwhelmed” and 5 meaning “I feel focused and ready.”
Use visuals, such as emojis or colors, to make it accessible for all learners.
At specific times—like the start of a lesson or after a transition—ask students to rate themselves and share why they chose that number.
This process teaches students to identify their feelings and take ownership of their state of mind. Over time, they can recognize patterns and develop strategies to move from a 2 to a 4, or from “stressed” to “focused.”
2. Self-Regulation Journals
Daily or weekly journaling can help students connect emotions, actions, and outcomes, fostering reflection and goal-setting.
How it works:
Provide prompts like:
-“What strategies helped me stay focused today?”
-“How did I handle frustration during a challenging task?”
-“What will I try next time to improve?”
-Allow students to rate their day or a specific activity on a scale, followed by a brief reflection.
Journals provide a private space for students to process their experiences and track their growth. They also help build metacognition, as students learn to analyze what works for them and why.
3. Emotions and Learning Chart
Helping students understand the link between their emotions and learning can be a powerful tool for self-regulation.
How it works:
Create a chart with emotions on one axis (e.g., calm, frustrated, excited) and outcomes on the other (e.g., highly productive, somewhat productive, unproductive).
After a task, ask students to plot where they were emotionally and how it impacted their performance.
Use the chart to identify trends and discuss strategies for shifting to a more productive emotional state.
This activity helps students visualize how emotions influence their work. It builds emotional awareness and equips them with tools to make positive changes.
4. Personalized Regulation Plans
Every student’s self-regulation journey is unique. Personalized plans empower them to identify what works best for their needs.
How it works:
After self-assessing, guide students to create a “toolkit” of strategies, such as using a fidget, deep breathing, or taking a movement break.
As students develop their skills, self-assessment can become more intuitive and students may begin to access these tools independently.
Remember to encourage them to evaluate the effectiveness of their tools after trying them. Did they feel calmer or more focused? What might they try next time?
A personalized plan makes self-regulation feel attainable and personalized to each student. These plans also foster independence and responsibility, key components of long-term success.
A Final Reflection
To me, teaching self-regulation is about progress. It’s about helping students understand themselves, reflect on their behaviors, and make intentional choices. By integrating self-assessment into this process, we give students the tools to build confidence and resilience.
Self-regulation is a lifelong practice, for both educators and students. As I continue to explore ways to help my learners, I’m reminded that every small step forward counts. Let’s keep growing together!
