This resource is so much more than ‘my special poster’. It is a thoughtful and collaborative process for developing individualised regulation strategies for students. The emphasis on planning these strategies when the child is calm and in a good space, rather than in the heat of the moment, is crucial. By engaging the child in this process, you ensure that they are not only aware of their strategies but also invested in them, which can significantly enhance their effectiveness. The poster is:
 
Personalised - Each child’s regulation strategies are unique to them, and the process of developing these strategies should reflect that individuality. The strategies should be tailored to address the specific emotions or behaviours that are most challenging for the child.
 
Collaborative - The success of these strategies hinges on involving the child in the planning process. This helps them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their emotional regulation.
 
Meaningful - It is important to choose the right moment to work on these strategies - when the child is calm, well-fed, and in a positive state of mind. This ensures that their ‘thinking brain’ is engaged, making them more receptive and thoughtful in the planning process, so important for ND students.
 
Fun and scaffolded - Starting with a small number of strategies (four to six) allows the child to gradually build their toolkit without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to tackle one emotion or challenge at a time, rather than trying to address everything at once.
 
Proactive - By having these strategies in place before a child reaches a point of emotional overwhelm, you can prevent or better manage emotional outbursts. This proactive approach is key to helping children express themselves more appropriately, plus it's fun and colourful!