How do we support children to recognise their emotions and equip them with a range of coping strategies when they are dysregulated?

In Curriculum for Wales, the health and well-being area of learning and experience can help learners explore the connections between their experiences, mental health and emotional well-being.

This video has been designed to show how we at Tai :

• develop a deeper understanding of emotional regulation and resilience,
• understand the knowledge, skills and experiences that can support progression within these areas,
• explore school-based examples in relation to planning for progression in emotional regulation and resilience.

Staff at the Tai Education Centre (a Pupil Referral Unit in Rhondda Cynon Taf) used the progression maps to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of progression in relation to learners’ emotional regulation. Staff used the engaging picture book 'Bottled' by Tom and Joe Brassington, to help baseline the current knowledge and skills of their learners. They then used the progression steps to identify next steps, which focused on developing a whole-school approach to a range of co-regulation and self-regulation strategies which allowed them to support pupils when they become dysregulated.

Emotional regulation can help learners to manage their internal thoughts and feelings, build mental resilience and support the healthy growth of coping strategies to support their feelings, actions and behaviours. These effects carry on throughout their life into adulthood and can impact upon their mental wellness.