Building a home or a classroom that truly supports neurodivergent children is a big task. You know what? It often feels like you are trying to read a map written in a language you only half understand. We have spent years looking at “behavior” as something to be managed or fixed. We used charts, stickers, … Read more
As a special needs teacher of nearly two decades, and perhaps more importantly, as a parent who lives this reality every day, I know that the most crucial job we have isn’t teaching reading or math—it’s teaching emotional regulation. When anxiety is high, when the sensory system is overloaded, learning stops. That’s why we need … Read more
Understanding Self-Reg and Why It Matters Have you ever wondered why some children seem to manage their emotions with ease while others struggle with even the smallest setbacks? Self-Reg is the key to understanding these differences. It’s not about discipline or control but about recognising the stressors that affect a child’s ability to self-regulate and … Read more
Zones of Regulation Tool: A Guide to Emotional Well-Being Welcome to the Zones of Regulation Tool, a practical and interactive resource designed to help you understand and manage your emotions effectively. Based on Leah Kuypers’ Zones of Regulation framework, this tool provides strategies and activities to help you stay in the “Green Zone”—the optimal state … Read more
Creating an Effective Calming Corner For Self-Regulation For many neurodivergent students, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, the classroom environment can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a calming corner can provide a safe space for self-regulation, helping these learners manage their emotions and sensory experiences more effectively. This article will guide you through … Read more
Behaviour Calming Routines Guide for EYFS/SEN Teachers This article was inspired by a great lesson observation I conducted in a KS1 class that is currently following the EYFS ethos. The children are still getting “ready to learn” but the teacher has implemented fantastic routines. These include calming routines at both a whole class, and individual … Read more
Sensory Breaks: Supporting Neurodiverse Students in the Classroom In today’s diverse classrooms, recognising and accommodating the sensory needs of all students, including those who are neurodivergent, is crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Regular sensory breaks throughout the school day are essential for helping students regulate their nervous systems and maintain focus … Read more
6 Emotional Wellbeing Strategies for Teachers A Classroom that is a vibrant, uplifting learning environment is the holy grail. This must-read guide unpacks 6 practical, research-backed strategies to complete your classroom for SEN pupils. From cultivating meaningful connections to empowering student voices, these techniques will boost your student’s emotional wellbeing. Get ready to witness the … Read more
A Teacher’s Guide to Somatic Competency In today’s dynamic classrooms, teachers face the ongoing challenge of promoting self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and positive behaviour among their students. One approach gaining traction is developing somatic competency. The ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to internal bodily cues and sensations. What is Somatic Competency? Somatic competency, or interoceptive … Read more
Building Resilience: Social Emotional Learning Strategies for Autistic Children Resilience has emerged as essential in nurturing students’ overall well-being, academic success, and ability to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) equips young minds with the vital skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively, empowering them to bounce back from adversity with … Read more
Understanding Sensory Overload in Children with SPD When a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) becomes overwhelmed and overstimulated, having a toolkit of proven strategies can make all the difference. These sensory processing disorder classroom strategies and home interventions have been shared by parents and carers who support children with SPD daily. Whether you’re implementing … Read more
Evidence Informed Parenting: The Experiences of Children with ADHD Using Weighted Blankets Weighted blankets have been proposed as an intervention for children with ADHD and sleeping difficulties to improve sleep. Commonly used in many schools as well as at home. As they become more affordable, less than £20 on Amazon* or Temu* However, research on … Read more
Teaching self-regulation skills to children with SEN is a vital part of their education. It also presents real challenges depending on the complexity of their needs. Pre-Verbal children or those with communication difficulties need our constant focus on this. Many of our children have disorganised nervous systems that are always seeking out sensory stimulation to … Read more
Recognising your own emotions and identifying effective strategies for managing these is a key skill for any child.
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