This 8-week series focuses on helping 5th grade male-identifying students develop self-regulation skills during math instruction. Each week builds on the previous one, using trauma-informed teaching and collaborative learning strategies. Students will learn to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively, enhancing their ability to focus and succeed in math. This series is important as it equips students with essential skills for academic success and personal growth, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Audience
5th grade male-identifying students
Time
8 weeks, 30 minutes each
Approach
Trauma-Informed Teaching, Collaborative Learning
Materials
Discussion Questions, Whiteboard and Markers, Paper and Pencils, and Progress Monitoring Tool
Step 1
Week 1: Introduction to Self-Regulation
30 mins
Begin with a brief overview of the lesson's objective: self-regulation during math.
Explain the importance of self-regulation in learning and everyday life.
Introduce the concept of mindfulness and how it can help in math.
Lead a short mindfulness exercise to help students focus and calm their minds.
Step 2
Week 2: Mindfulness Techniques
30 mins
Start with a Mindful Math Warm-Up.
Teach and practice different breathing exercises.
Allow students to write reflections on their experiences.
Step 3
Week 3: Collaborative Problem Solving
30 mins
Divide students into small groups and assign a simple math problem.
Encourage students to work together, using self-regulation strategies to stay focused and calm.
Facilitate a discussion on group dynamics and self-regulation.
Step 4
Week 4: Identifying Emotions
30 mins
Conduct an Emotion Identification Activity.
Practice mindfulness techniques to manage emotions.
Reflect on how emotions affect math performance.
Step 5
Week 5: Positive Self-Talk
30 mins
Introduce positive affirmation exercises.
Apply positive self-talk during math tasks.
Discuss the impact of self-talk on focus and confidence.
Step 6
Week 6: Overcoming Challenges
30 mins
Engage in an Interactive Game that requires focus.
Solve group problems while practicing self-regulation.
Discuss how skills learned can be applied outside school.
Reflect on personal experiences and growth.
Step 8
Week 8: Review and Reflect
30 mins
Review key concepts and skills learned over the weeks.
Facilitate a group reflection on progress and achievements.
Set personal goals for continued practice of self-regulation.
Discussion
Discussion Questions on Self-Regulation
A set of questions designed to facilitate a discussion on self-regulation during math instruction, helping students reflect on their experiences and learn from each other.
What strategies did you use to stay focused during the math task?
Encourage students to think about specific techniques they used, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk.
How did working in a group help or challenge your self-regulation?
Discuss the dynamics of group work and how it can support or hinder self-regulation.
Can you think of a time outside of school when self-regulation helped you?
Encourage students to share personal stories and relate the lesson to real-life situations.
Worksheet
Progress Monitoring Tool for Self-Management
A tool designed to track students' progress in developing CASEL self-management competencies throughout the 8-week series.
Rate your ability to stay focused during math tasks on a scale of 1-5.
Describe a strategy you used this week to manage your emotions during math.
Reflect on a challenge you faced this week and how you overcame it.
Set a personal goal for improving your self-regulation skills next week.
