3 Cost-Free Regulation Strategies for Your Classroom

If there’s one thing I know about ministry, it’s that budgets can be tight—or sometimes nonexistent! Depending on where you are in building your inclusive ministry, you might not even have a budget yet.

That’s why today, I’m excited to share three cost-free resources you can implement as early as this Sunday to help foster regulation in your classroom.

We all know students aren’t ready to learn unless they’re regulated. So let’s dive into these practical tips:

1. Implement Motor Breaks

A motor break is simply a movement break—and the best part is, it’s free! While budget-friendly tools like wagons or swings can enhance this, most of the time, a simple walk will do the trick.

Motor breaks are especially helpful when you notice a student becoming overstimulated or on the verge of escalation. A walk offers:

• A change in environment.
• A chance to release pent-up energy.
• A distraction to prevent escalation.

2. Provide Deep Pressure

When a student is full of energy and running circles around the room, they might benefit from deep pressure. While tools like weighted blankets or compression vests can help, you can also provide deep pressure for free!

Try gently squeezing the student’s arms and shoulders with an appropriate amount of pressure. This calming technique helps ground students and can be very regulating.

3. Create a Heavy Work Station with Laundry Bottles

Heavy work can be incredibly grounding for students, promoting a sense of calm. Here’s how to set up a budget-friendly heavy work station:

• Collect empty laundry detergent bottles (you can ask for donations).
• Fill 4–5 bottles with water and securely duct tape the lids.
• Set up a simple activity where students move the bottles from one spot to another (6–8 feet away).

This type of activity provides sensory input that helps students regulate and focus.

Supporting regulation in your classroom doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity, you can make a big impact on your students’ ability to learn and engage.

Which of these tips are you most excited to try? Or do you have a favorite cost-free regulation strategy you’ve used in your ministry? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you!