Early Years Education Foundations

Lesson 1 provides essential educational context on children's behaviour and the science behind emotional regulation. This lesson highlights the importance of experience and interoception—the internal sense of the body's physiological state—in understanding and managing emotions. Educators will learn how early experiences shape children's behavioural responses and how fostering interoceptive awareness can help children recognise and regulate their emotions. With this foundational knowledge, teachers will be better prepared to implement evidence-based de-escalation strategies, creating a nurturing and responsive classroom environment.

Welcome to Lesson Two of "De-escalation: 5 Early Years Strategies." Today, we'll explore the first strategy: respecting a child's Personal Bubble. Teaching children about personal space is vital, especially when they are emotionally heightened. Understand when a child wants a cuddle and when they don't, always staying close by but not intrusive. Get down to their level to avoid seeming threatening and explain the concept of personal space. Some children may struggle to express their needs, so be perceptive. Often, just being nearby is enough to help them calm down. Let's learn how to respect personal space while providing support.

Welcome to Lesson Three of "De-escalation: 5 Early Years Strategies." In this lesson, we'll cover our second strategy: being Regulated Adults. It's crucial to manage our own emotions before helping a child regulate theirs. Staying calm is essential! Use a calm voice, get down to the child's level, and make gentle eye contact. Understand when a hug or a supportive touch is appropriate. Practice your own breathing techniques and regulation tools—children may start to mimic your actions. Share what you do when you feel different emotions and explain the physical signs you notice in yourself. This lesson will help you stay regulated, providing a calm and supportive presence for the children.

Welcome to Lesson Four of "De-escalation: 5 Early Years Strategies." In this lesson, we'll focus on our third strategy: Acknowledging Expressed Emotions. Helping children recognise their emotions is crucial. Explain that their actions might mean they feel certain ways, and ask them how they think they feel. Encourage them to think of ways to calm down. Before using emotion cards, help children identify what their bodies are telling them. Reflect on your own emotions and intrinsic messages to better guide children in understanding theirs. This lesson will help you support children in acknowledging and managing their emotions effectively.

Welcome to Lesson Five of "De-escalation: 5 Early Years Strategies." In this lesson, we'll explore our fourth strategy: Letting Go of Control. It can be challenging to give a child in a heightened state control, but sometimes, that's exactly what they need. Start with simple choices, like asking, "Would you like a cuddle?" to give them a sense of control. Once an emotion is identified, offer choices for calming tools, like "Which tool will help you feel better, A or B?" Be prepared for initial resistance and persistent "NO" responses. Stay calm and regulated, and continue offering choices. As children feel more in control, they may begin to calm down, seeing that their decisions lead to desired outcomes. This lesson emphasises the importance of allowing children to take control to help them regulate their emotions.

Welcome to Lesson Six of "De-escalation: 5 Early Years Strategies." Next up, we'll discuss our fifth, and final, strategy: Safe Spaces. Creating a designated calm or cozy corner is ideal, but when children are in a heightened state, moving them there safely isn't always possible. Children often find their own safe spaces, such as under a table, behind a chair, or outside. Whatever their safe space looks like, our priority is ensuring they are safe and not harming themselves or others. When appropriate, ask if they would like to go to the cozy space, but remember that each child's safe space may be different. This lesson will help you understand and respect individual safe spaces to support emotional regulation.