How can educators promote self-control in the classroom?

Setting clear expectations and providing consistent routines is essential for promoting self-control in the classroom. When students understand what is expected of them and know the routine of their daily activities, they can better manage their behaviors and emotions. Consistency helps to create a structured environment where students feel safe and secure, which in turn fosters self-regulation.

This structure allows students to anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and allowing them to focus on learning rather than worrying about what will happen next. Clear expectations also provide students with a framework within which they can practice self-control, as they understand the consequences of their actions and can strive to meet the outlined standards.

While encouraging breaks can be beneficial for managing stress, and group work has its place in collaboration and social learning, these do not directly enforce the consistent understanding of expectations necessary for self-control. Avoiding discussions on emotions would hinder students from developing emotional intelligence, which is also critical for practicing self-regulation.