a place for emotions
The RULER approach
We use a preschool version of RULER, adapted for SSOCC classrooms. RULER is an evidence-based approach from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, to help children make sense of their emotions. RULER teaches children how to recognize, understand, name, express, and regulate feelings in healthy, meaningful ways.
Instead of focusing on behaviour alone, RULER helps children understand what’s underneath—building self-awareness, empathy, and confidence.
Tools of the Mind
We also draw from Tools of the Mind, a research-based approach that supports children’s self-regulation, flexible thinking, and executive functioning.
Through purposeful play, planning, and reflection, children learn to pause, think ahead, follow rules, and work collaboratively with others. Rather than rushing learning, Tools of the Mind helps children build the mental skills they need to focus, problem-solve, and stay engaged—skills that support success in school and in life.
While we are not a traditional Tools of the Mind classroom, we use TOTM strategies, games and programming to support our dramatic play and morning meeting times.
MindUP
We also use the MindUP program, which supports children’s well-being through mindfulness, brain science, and simple strategies for focus and self-regulation.
MindUP helps children learn how their brains work, what stress feels like in their bodies, and how to pause and reset when things feel overwhelming. Through short, age-appropriate practices, children build skills they can actually use—whether they’re feeling frustrated, distracted, or just need a moment to breathe.
MindUP supports children to:
Strengthen attention and focus
Manage stress and big emotions
Build resilience and self-control
Practice kindness, gratitude, and empathy
