This is a station rotation/relay with emotional regulation challenges at each station, where players must practice calming techniques before they can move to the next stage. It combines physical movement with emotional self-regulation practice.
Proposed step by step implementation of the learning activity:
A relay is a type of team-based activity where participants take turns completing segments of a course or challenge. In this version, however, each child completes the entire course individually, moving through a series of 4 to 5 stations, each designed with a small emotional self-regulation task.
- Set up the course:
Arrange 4 to 5 stations in an open space (indoor or outdoor). These can be marked with cones, mats, signs, or simple drawings on the floor. - Introduce the game:
Explain to the children that this is a “Regulation Relay” where they will move through each station one at a time, and at each stop they will be asked to do a quick self-regulation technique before moving forward. - At each station, they will:
- Stop and read/listen to the task
- Do the emotional regulation activity (see examples below)
- Only when completed, move to the next station
- Example of regulation tasks at each station:
- Station 1: Deep Breathing – Take 5 slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Station 2: Muscle Release – Tense your fists or shoulders tightly for 5 seconds, then slowly relax.
- Station 3: Emotional Naming – Say out loud (or whisper) one feeling you experienced today.
- Station 4: Shake-Off Dance – Do a 10-second silly dance to release excess energy.
- Station 5 (optional): Visualization – Close your eyes and imagine a calm place for 10 seconds.
Repeat or Reflect:
After each child finishes the course, you may invite them to reflect briefly (e.g., “Which station helped you feel more calm or focused?”).