Co-Regulations
What does Co-Regulation mean?
This is when an adult stays calm and supportive to help a child calm their body and emotions. You are regulating along side the child
This behaviour technique focuses on teaching children what to do instead of only correcting what not to do.
positive reinforcement
What are common Trigger in school age children?
• Transitions and rushed routines
• Lack of connection with after-school educators
Sensory overload or under-stimulation, Emotional Carryover from the school day, Social Conflict
What are the Root Cause of Challenging Behaviours in School age Children?
- Lack of Emotional Regulation Skills
- Unmet needs
- Environmental or Routine Factors
- Home and Life Stressors
- Social and Relationship Dynamics
Why is specific praise more effective than general praise?
Because it clearly tells the child which behaviour is being reinforced, helping them understand what to repeat.
True or False: Children ages 5–12 are expected to fully self-regulate without adult support.
False- Children are learning to understand their emotions, and staff are there to teach them
Why is consistency among staff critical when using behaviour techniques?
because inconsistent responses can be confusing for the children and will not give the results you want because the child is getting mix singles
Name one strategy staff can use to reduce sensory overload for children.
providing a quiet area, reducing noise, offering fidget tools, dimming lights, or giving breaks
Name one feeling that could be a root cause of a child hitting, yelling, or refusing to listen.
frustration, sadness, feeling left out, fear, or feeling overwhelmed,
Which is a better example of positive reinforcement: “Good job” or “I noticed you waited your turn even though it was hard!”
Why?
The second statement, because it is specific, meaningful, and reinforces the exact behaviour we want to see again.
Name one sign that a child is beginning to move from co-regulation toward self-regulation.
using words instead of behaviour, calming faster, accepting help, or trying a strategy independently
What is natural Consequence?
Is a consequence that happens naturally as a direct result of a child’s behaviour, without an adult adding a punishment.- Example- A child refuses to wear their coat outside and feels cold during outdoor play
TRIGGER- Transitions and Rushed - When children are forced to stop an activity they enjoy immediately. What can staff do to help prevent this from happening?
- providing advance notice,
- using timers
- Staff are excited about the next activity
- offering a calm transition plan
Why is it important for adults to look for the root cause instead of only stopping the behaviour?
Because addressing the root cause allows adults to understand the underlying need or skill deficit driving the behaviour, respond with appropriate support, and teach regulation and coping skills—rather than relying on behaviour management alone, which does not lead to long-term change.
How does positive reinforcement support self-regulation and skill-building?
It strengthens desired behaviours by acknowledging effort and success, helping children connect their actions to positive outcomes and build confidence.
Why is reasoning or giving consequences often ineffective when a child is heighten state of emotions?
The child is likely overstimulated and cannot access logic. We need to let their body and mind relax so they are able to understand what is happening
What are some examples of a Behaviour Management Plan?
- dailey check ins, space away from the groups, rewards at the end of the week. Speical time with a teacher ECT
TRIGGER- Social Conflict- How can you help a child whose friends are excluding them from play
- Supporting the child to join another group activity - helping them practice asking to join with their friends
- facilitating a conversation between the children
When a child repeatedly refuses to participate in activities, what should staff consider before implementing consequences?
Possible root causes such as anxiety, lack of skill, unmet sensory needs, past experiences, or difficulty with transitions.
What is an example of reinforcing effort rather than outcome?
Acknowledging a child for trying a difficult task, staying calm, or using a strategy—even if the result isn’t perfect.
What should an adult do to help during a child’s big emotion
Staying calm and present.Valid their feeling and let them know it is ok to express their emotions
Why should consequences be logical and related to the behaviour rather than a punishment
They help children learn responsibility and skill-building instead of fear
Trigger - carryover from the school day - A child comes to you and says they had a horrible day at school, they failed a test, had a fight with their friend and dropped their sandwich on the ground at lunch. How would you help this student turn their day around?
listening to the child, validating their feelings!
Use co-regulation if needed to calm them down, acknowledging the tough parts of the day, and offering a fresh start with a positive activity or let them choose the activity.
Let parents know they had a hard day
Why is it ineffective to address behaviour without identifying the root cause?
Because behaviour is a form of communication, and responding without understanding the underlying need may temporarily stop the behaviour but does not support skill development or long-term change.
Why is positive reinforcement more effective than punishment for long-term behaviour change?
It teaches and motivates desired behaviours, builds positive relationships, and supports internal motivation rather than fear of consequences.