3 Group Games for Self Regulation Skills

More and more research indicates that children with strong self regulation skills in preschool and kindergarten do significantly better on math, reading and vocabulary skills.  In addition, children who lack self regulation exhibit excessive weight gain.   Below are 3 group games to help children develop self regulation skills.  These activities work great for indoor recess ideas or for a quick brain break!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Game

Encourage eye hand coordination, motor timing and motor planning and practice self regulation skills with this group game.  All you need are two different sized balls.  Find out how to play at http://yourtherapysource.com/freepbj.html

Listen for the Code

Children have to remain quiet and calm as they listen for the code to indicate what motor skills should be completed.  Read how to play here http://yourtherapysource.com/freecode.html

Color Ball

Encourage following motor commands, motor memory and coordination skills.  Practice self regulation skills.  Read how to play here http://yourtherapysource.com/freecolorball.html

Need more ideas for self regulation skills?  Check out these Adventure Skill - Self Regulation Flash Cards.

 Adventure Skill – Self-Regulation Flash CardsBy:  Move with Me

Summary: This 16 Flash Card Set in printable PDF format – includes health lessons and self-regulation techniques that combine creative movement, yoga and Brain Gym(R).

Find out more at http://www.yourtherapysource.com/movewithmeselfregulation.html

References:

Lori A. Francis; Elizabeth J. Susman
Self-regulation and Rapid Weight Gain in Children From Age 3 to 12 Years
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009;163(4):297-302.

Michaella Sektnana, Megan M. McClellanda, Alan Acocka and Frederick J. Morrison Relations between early family risk, children’s behavioral regulation, and academic achievement Article in press Early Childhood Research Quarterly doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2010.02.005

Ponitz, Claire Cameron; McClelland, Megan M.; Matthews, J. S.; Morrison, Frederick J. A structured observation of behavioral self-regulation and its contribution to kindergarten outcomes. Developmental Psychology. Vol 45(3), May 2009, 605-619.

Oregon State University (2009, June 9). Self-regulation Game Predicts Kindergarten Achievement. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 9, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/06/090608162547.htm