This teacher skills video supports staff to build confidence in teaching self-regulation as part of PSHE and wider classroom practice. It explains that self-regulation is helping children manage their thoughts, actions and feelings to suit a situation and that these skills can support mental health, relationships and resilience.

The video models practical ways to develop self-regulation, starting with noticing, naming and validating emotions. It highlights the importance of expanding children’s emotional vocabulary so they can describe feelings more precisely and recognise that feelings vary in strength and can affect the body and behaviour. It suggests tools such as an emotions and feelings wheel to help children choose the word that fits best.

The video also shares coping strategies children can practise, including breathing exercises, movement, mindfulness, calming objects and talking to a trusted adult. It demonstrates slow paced breathing (breathe in for four counts, hold for two, then out for six), recommends calm spaces where children can pause if feelings are overwhelming, and suggests short movement breaks such as stretches, star jumps, or a thirty second dance break. It also explains how sensory supports such as stress balls, fidget toys and soft objects can soothe and support focus.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s RSE & PSHE resources, supporting teachers with CPD to teach self-regulation strategies that children can practise and use across the school day.

RSE & PSHE scheme of work.

Teacher skills video: Teaching self-regulation.