The Alert Program

             

 

Body Break Hallway

Body breaks are a great way to give an individual the sensory input they need to help them feel calm, alert, and in an “optimal” state of arousal based upon their unique sensory needs. A body break hallway has been set up in Morley for students to take a few minutes from what they may be focusing on in class or complete on their way to transitioning to a new activity or task within the school. These types of breaks work to increase blood flow to the brain, which increase focus, relaxation, and help direct energy to be used calmly and appropriately once completed. At the end of the body break, students get a chance to check in on how their feeling by identifying their emotions using the Zone of Regulation, similar to the Alert Program listed above. Students are welcome to complete one or several movement activities and may repeat if needed.

 

 

Self-Regulation Stations

Emotional self-regulation is an individual’s ability to understand and mange their strong and intense behaviours (e.g., run, throw, scream, etc.) and emotions (e.g., excitement, frustration, anger, embarrassment, etc.) that may be difficult, disruptive, or impulsive in a way that is appropriate. These strong behaviours and emotions could be a result of things happening around you such as, a loud classroom, an exciting activity that the class is about to transition to, a peer not ready to share, or making a mistake. Self-regulation is important because it increases independence, limits distractions and gives the ability to sit and listen, and control impulses.  People of all ages work on developing their self-regulation skills, which is why the K-Plus team have set up Self-Regulation Stations around Morley Elementary school to provide students spaces to use and practice calm down strategies such as, identifying their emotions through the Zones of Regulation, breathing techniques (e.g., lazy 8 breathing, star breathing, zipper breathing), and an affirmation station.