Alert and Engaged
What is the quality "Alert and Engaged"?
Children and youth who are alert and engaged are able to manage and direct their own feelings, thoughts and emotions. In general, they are able to be ‘present’ and to demonstrate self control.
When scholars and researchers look at this quality they often view it through the lens of self-regulation. Self-regulation is defined as the ability to match energy levels to the demands of a task or situation, monitor and manage emotions, focus attention and ignore distractions, understand and engage in social interactions, connecting and caring about others.
Regulating emotions and behaviours is part of everyday life. It is a skill and ability that children develop over time. How it develops in each child is different depending on their temperament, and on the quality of their interactions with family members, especially throughout the first years of life. Self-regulation improves significantly during the preschool years, getting children ready to attend school and to learn in the classroom setting.
What does that quality look like?
Children and youth who are alert and engaged are usually able to do:
● stick with activities for more than a few moments
● listen attentively
● work independently
● think before they act - they are not overly impulsive
● await their turn for games or groups
● follow routines without constant reminders
● respect others
● accept responsibility for their actions
What does it look like when that quality is diminished?
Typical behaviour patterns include difficulty with settling down and a hard time in taking turns. A young child might have a tendency towards temper tantrums. They might demonstrate impulsiveness and a tendency to have difficulty following rules. Often they can be easily distractible. These all depend on the age of the child, their developmental stage and their temperament.
Why is it helpful/useful to have that quality?
Teachers and researchers have named self-regulation as the most important aspect for being ready to attend school. One recent study that followed 1000 children from birth to age 32 showed that childhood self-control predicts physical health, substance dependence, personal finances, and criminal offending outcomes. The better we understand self-regulation, the better we can implement strategies that enhance students’ capacity to learn the skills necessary to deal with life’s challenges.
Remember - prevention is ALWAYS the best way to promote the quality of being alert and engaged.
Prevent stress in adults and children with the basics – healthy food, adequate sleep, as well as relationships full of attention, listening and respect. Be aware of your own abilities to manage your emotions and support the children in your classroom to do the same.
Be a part of Self-regulation efforts in Canadian schools.
If self-regulation has caught your interest, Canadians can be proud of Dr. Stuart Shanker and the Canadian Self Regulation Initiative. A host of excellent evidence-informed information on the topic and updates on BC School Districts who have made a commitment to support self-regulation efforts in schools.
Stuart Shanker’s Self regulation booklet is a top download from CSRi site. You can get the download on this site: http://www.self-regulation.ca/
Learn more by following the links to hear a CBC radio interview with Dr. Stuart Shanker (the "brain doctor").
There is nothing like a story to engage the heart and still the mind.
CHAPTER BOOK SUGGESTIONS
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, by Jack Gantos
The Middle of Somewhere, by J.B. Cheaney
The Conch Bearer, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Yoga in the classroom.
Yoga is a practice that cultivates self-regulation and enhances a child’s ability to remain alert and engaged. Introducing yoga to children and youth can happen at home, in child care and in any grade level during the school years.
Here are a couple of resources depending on the age of your students.
- Intermediate: a yoga lesson plan submitted by a teacher
- Secondary: a website for teens exploring different yoga practices with a selection of videos for yoga study breaks
Set realistic and specific goals.
Help children and youth set realistic goals that can be broken down into manageable chunks with a timeline attached.
Use the SMART principle:
S - is it specific?
M - is it measurable?
A - is it attainable?
R - is it realistic?
T - is it time oriented?
Here is a fun lesson plan for groups of students to explore the importance of and steps involved in goal setting.
Looking for lesson plans appropriate for secondary students to support self-regulation awareness and skills?
Check out these on emotional regulation, calming techniques, re-framing feelings and conflict resolution.
Take a look at mindfulness.
Why teens are trying mindfulness and what they get out of it is the focus of this video created by Vancouver youth and the BC Children’s Hospital. Kelty Mental Health Resource Center hosts a variety of resources that promote healthy living and emphasizes mindfulness training to help improve health and ways of coping.
Practice mindfulness in a variety of ways.
Log onto http://www.calm.com and sample a guided mindful experience.
