Hosts:Tara Ross & Kristen Smith, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) at Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)Guests:Linda Murphy, Author of The Co-Regulation HandbookJen Meeker, Principal of Special Education, K-12, UGDSBOverviewIn this episode, we dive deep into the importance of declarative language in the classroom and how it can support both co-regulation and self-regulation for students. Tara and Kristen are joined by Linda Murphy, author of The Co-Regulation Handbook, and special guest Jen Meeker, Principal of Special Education at UGDSB. Together, they explore how educators can leverage declarative statements to foster emotional regulation and enhance communication in students—especially those facing unique challenges.Key TakeawaysDeclarative Language is about making statements that help students understand what is happening in the moment—"We are going to work on the calendar now," rather than giving direct commands like, "Do the calendar now." This creates a supportive environment for students to process and engage at their own pace.Co-regulation is crucial for helping students manage overwhelming emotions before they can learn self-regulation. It’s about adults (teachers, support staff, or peers) being present and validating the student's experience.Competent, Authentic, and Contingent Roles empower students by providing them with real, manageable tasks within the classroom. These roles, when paired with clear communication, support the development of social and emotional skills.The Role of Educators in managing their own emotional regulation is just as important as supporting students’ regulation. Educators can model strategies like self-talk or taking a break to demonstrate healthy emotional management.Behavior vs. Dysregulation: Understanding that challenging behaviors often stem from emotional dysregulation rather than intentional misconduct helps educators approach these situations with empathy and effective strategies.Connect With Our Guest, Linda Murphy:  www.declarativelanguage.com

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