Introduction

Controlling one’s thoughts and feelings is a crucial life skill that promotes better decision-making, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The Self-Controller Scanner is a technique that helps students become more aware of their emotional state and regain control when feeling overwhelmed. This blog post will discuss the Self-Controller Scanner technique and provide educators with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help students develop this vital skill.

No-Prep Activity: The Self-Controller Scanner in Action

This activity requires no preparation or materials and is designed to help students practice using the Self-Controller Scanner in various situations:

1. Ask students to think of a time when they felt overwhelmed or upset.
2. Guide them through the Self-Controller Scanner process by asking: “How were your brain and body feeling at that moment? Were your thoughts and feelings negative?”
3. Encourage students to identify a calming strategy they could have used in that situation, such as taking a break, deep breathing, or thinking of a positive thought.
4. Have students share their experiences and the calming strategies they identified with the class.

By practicing the Self-Controller Scanner technique in a safe and supportive environment, students will be better equipped to recognize and manage their emotions in real-life situations.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions about the Self-Controller Scanner and its applications:

1. Why is it important to recognize when our emotions are controlling our thoughts and actions?
2. What are some situations where using the Self-Controller Scanner could be especially helpful?
3. How can practicing the Self-Controller Scanner technique improve our overall well-being?
4. What other strategies can we use to regain control of our thoughts and feelings when we feel overwhelmed?
5. How can we help our peers when we notice they are struggling with their emotions?

Related Skills

In addition to the Self-Controller Scanner, there are other related skills that can help students develop emotional regulation and self-awareness. These include:

• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help students stay present and focused, making it easier to recognize and manage their emotions.
• Emotion recognition: Understanding and labeling one’s emotions can help students gain insight into their feelings and develop strategies to cope with them.
• Empathy: Developing empathy for others can help students better understand and support their peers when they are experiencing emotional challenges.
• Problem-solving: Learning to identify and address the root causes of emotional distress can help students regain control and find solutions to their problems.

Next Steps

Teaching students to control their thoughts and feelings using the Self-Controller Scanner is an essential component of their social-emotional development. To access free sample materials for this skill and others, visit Everyday Speech and sign up for a free trial. By incorporating these techniques into your classroom, you can help students build emotional resilience and become better equipped to handle life’s challenges.