Little Humans, Big Feelings: Classroom Techniques to Help Kids Regulate Emotions

Every child has big feelings; it’s part of growing up. Learning how to understand and manage those emotions early on can make a lasting difference, not just in the classroom, but throughout their lives.

At Barrington, our teachers gently guide children through these moments with patience, empathy, and proven strategies. Using the Conscious Discipline approach, our teachers help children feel safe, supported, and understood, while teaching them how to express themselves, make sense of their emotions, and build confidence along the way. 

Active Listening 

Children, like adults, want to feel heard and understood. When a child knows their thoughts and feelings matter, they’re more likely to open up, use their words, and work through challenges in a positive way. 

In our classrooms, teachers take the time to truly listen by getting down on a child’s level, acknowledging their feelings, and helping them put those emotions into words. When children feel heard, frustration melts into trust, and big emotions become opportunities for growth.

“Active listening is what builds the foundation for secure relationships,” shared Brittani Cherry, Director of Operations at Barrington School. "When we give children our full attention, slow down, and respond with intention, they feel valued and understood.” 

Validating Feelings

Helping children understand that it’s OK to feel is an important part of their development. We make this a priority in our classrooms by acknowledging each child’s emotions and avoiding language that dismisses or downplays what they’re experiencing.

When children learn that their feelings (even big ones) are normal and safe to express, they’re more likely to share them instead of bottling everything up. This not only creates a sense of trust and security, but also helps children learn how to regulate their emotions and express themselves more calmly. 

Labeling Emotions

Giving emotions a name can help children build a vocabulary for talking about feelings. This can be especially beneficial for kids that have trouble expressing themselves verbally.   

“Our classrooms use visual learning tools, like emotion charts, to help kids identify what they are feeling,” explained Brittani. “We also use picture books and stories to teach children how to recognize and talk about their emotions.”

Once children can articulate what they feel, we can validate their emotions and guide them through it. 

Creating “Safe Spaces”

When kids are overwhelmed by their emotions, having a designated ‘safe space’ to go to can help them work through their feelings in a healthy way. Our classrooms are equipped with safe spaces where children can take a moment to themselves, with or without a teacher, to collect their thoughts, control their breathing, and work through big feelings. 

The above photo shows one of our teachers working with a child on “Lazy 8” breathing, a breathing technique that helps to reset the nervous system and begin to calm down. 

Modeling Calm Behaviors

Children are always watching and learning from the adults around them. In moments of frustration or overstimulation, they look to us to understand how to respond. When we stay calm, they begin to learn how to do the same.

At our schools, teachers lead by example every day. Through the Conscious Discipline approach, they’re equipped with tools to pause, regulate their own emotions, and respond with patience and intention. This creates a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe and begin to understand what it looks like to handle big feelings in a healthy way.

Big feelings are something every child experiences. And with the right guidance and support, we can help children understand and manage those emotions in healthy ways. To learn more about how we teach emotional regulation and nurture the ‘whole’ child at Barrington, schedule a tour at one of our locations!

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