Co-Regulation Navigators

This sequence teaches 5th-grade students how to communicate their sensory needs and utilize co-regulation strategies. Students will develop non-verbal signals, practice verbal scripts, and create a formal co-regulation plan to bridge the gap between internal dysregulation and external support.

Finding Your Anchor

Students learn the concept of co-regulation, where a regulated person helps a dysregulated person calm down. They identify 'safe adults' in their lives and discuss what helpful support looks like versus unhelpful hovering.

Silent Signals

Recognizing that speech often shuts down during high stress, students develop non-verbal codes (hand signals, cards) to communicate the need for an immediate break or sensory recovery time without disrupting the class.

Voice of Advocacy

Students write and practice short scripts for advocating for their sensory needs before a meltdown occurs. They practice phrases like, 'It's too loud for me right now, can I step out?' in a low-stakes environment.

The Smooth Return

This lesson addresses the awkwardness of returning to a group after stepping away. Students brainstorm and practice strategies for rejoining an activity smoothly, including what to say to peers if asked where they went.

Plan for Peace

Students synthesize their signals and scripts into a formal plan to share with their teachers or parents. They practice how to initiate a conversation with an adult to establish these protocols ahead of time.