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Self regualtion skills through games
Tamariki have been developing their self-regulation skills through exploring a variety of games. Some favorites have included the memory game - children memorize a variety of objects which are then placed under a blanket. They then close their eyes when the teacher takes one away.
The teacher removes the blanket and the children are to guess which object has been taken away. This supports them with their cognitive development, attention to detail, and focus. Other games to support self-regulation skills have included learning different breathing techniques.
Tamariki has really enjoyed practicing deep breathing with a windmill along with visualising smelling the flowers and blowing out a candle. This is a strategy to support children in being able to calm themselves down when feeling overwhelmed or upset. Games such as animal yoga have supported tamariki with following instructions and nurturing mindfulness. We have been playing games around self-regulation as a regular part of our teaching program and have seen so many benefits so far.
Children have a range of strategies they can draw from and are developing confidence in effectively using these skills when needed to regulate themselves. Learning through games is enjoyable for our tamariki and we are also seeing our tamariki create and lead their own games.