Can the Alert Program® help my students?

Yes, and we can show you how easily you can support attention for those who are in General or Special Education through low-budget activities in our books, songs, and games!In our Take Five! book, you’ll find lots of practical activities that have been kid-tested and teacher-approved; “we’ve been there, done it” for decades. So, we know the concerns of classroom teachers and we provide you with self-regulation activities for individual students, small groups, or your whole class.Your students will love learning about the Alert Program® vocabulary and strategies through the Test Drive (book and CD). It couldn’t be easier: This book and its engaging songs lay it all out for you, explaining what to say to your students and how to keep them alert for learning.We’ve adapted the classic games Go Fish and Bingo to be economical and fun for your classroom. Your students will enjoy them so much, they won’t even know they are learning concepts to make school easier.And you can teach the entire Alert Program® to your students using the Leader’s Guide’s step-by-step activities, and 50+ pages of reproducibles, so your students can learn how to be independent in changing how alert they feel.All of our books, games, and songs were developed to be easily implemented by teachers (General and Special Education), so you’ll want to check out our list of Alert Program® materials to learn more. Or you may want to begin by viewing our Overview of the Alert Program® Webinar.

What evidence supports the use of the Alert Program® in my classroom?

The Alert Program® has been helping students of all ages and ability levels since 1990 and research has demonstrated its effectiveness.Many teachers print out the 20+ pages of our “Alert Program® Literature and Research” document to share with parents, school administrators, or other team members to show the excellence in evidence-based practice. Want more ideas of how to get administrative support in your setting? Click here or browse answers to common questions in the Need Support section of our footer.

How can I explain the Alert Program® to parents?

Our complimentary, one page handout helps you pave the way in explaining to parents (team members or administrators) how the Alert Program® supports your classroom curriculum. Click here to print the “What’s All This Talk About Engines?” free handout.Also, many teachers have our Introductory Booklets on hand for parents (team members or administrators) who want to learn the basics of the Alert Program®. Or you may want to direct them to our website’s New to the Alert Program® page, Blog articles, or Free Resources to learn more.

How do I help my students attend and be focused in my classroom?

The Alert Program® online course has received rave reviews from teachers and administrators who feel empowered to implement self-regulation strategies in their classrooms, schools, or school districts. Learn how implementing a few self-regulation ideas into your lesson plans can yield positive results, in a relatively short amount of time! See our Alert Program® Online Course.

I’m totally new to the Alert Program®. Where should I begin?

We are happy to support you to find ways to help your students. You may have more questions and we’ve got answers! Click here to learn more about the Alert Program®.

Adults/Organizations Archives - The Alert Program

SEL READINESS GAP: Why Emotional Growth Needs a Sensory Foundation – Part 1

Emotional learning works best when the body is ready to receive it. By noticing your physical state during everyday moments—like standing in line, walking down the hall, or settling into your chair—you can spot signs of high or low alert. Choosing a simple sensory shift in these small pauses builds the “just right” foundation for focus and connection. Over time, these quick adjustments make regulation second nature and show others that readiness starts in the body. Read more »

Sensory Self-Care for Leaders: Supporting Your Own Engine

Busy days can derail even the best self-care plans. But you do not need special tools or extra time. By noticing your alert level during small daily moments such as waiting for coffee, walking to your car, or pausing before a meeting, you can choose simple strategies to get to “just right.” This turns routine into built-in support and models for others that steady, intentional self-care is both normal and essential. Read more »

Summer Sensory Swaps: Supporting Regulation When Routines Change

Seasonal shifts can disrupt even the most consistent routines. For children who rely on sensory input to stay regulated, that disruption can feel like a storm with no anchor. But with thoughtful adjustments, we can turn these moments into opportunities. Summer Sensory Swaps offer a simple, science-backed way to keep self-regulation tools consistent even when everything else is changing. Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or caregiver, you don’t need new materials. You just need a fresh perspective. This blog explores easy, playful ways to meet sensory needs using what’s already around you, from garden hoses to bubble wands. With the right approach, summer becomes more than a break from routine. It becomes a season of growth. Read more »

Beyond Preschool: How Self-Regulation Builds Brighter Futures

Professionals in early education and clinical care have long recognized the powerful impact of reaching children early. Now, mounting research is revealing the lasting ripple effects of these interventions, particularly when studies include voices and communities that have often been left out of traditional research. Read more »

Enhancing Lives with FASD: The Power of Self-Regulation

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) represents a range of lifelong challenges that arise from prenatal exposure to alcohol, impacting cognitive development, emotional control, and adaptive behavior. Read more »

Role of Self-Regulation in Neurodiverse Populations

In our fast-paced, constantly changing world, individuals frequently encounter challenges that test their ability to adapt, maintain focus, and stay emotionally balanced. Whether in classrooms, workplaces, or homes, the capacity to self-regulate is crucial. But self-regulation isn’t merely about controlling emotions or staying calm under pressure—it is an intricate combination of sensory processing, cognitive flexibility, and motor regulation. These components collectively allow individuals to adapt effectively and thrive in diverse environments. Read more »

Earthing for Self-Regulation and Wellbeing

As people spend more time indoors engaging with digital environments, they are exposed to less natural sensory input, which plays a key role in movement, focus, and decision-making. Researchers are still examining how this shift impacts the brain’s ability to regulate these functions, particularly as modern lifestyles reduce interaction with natural electrical and sensory stimuli. Read more »

Evaluating a Self-Regulation Course

Effective self-regulation training empowers professionals to help students, patients, and clients thrive while enhancing their own focus and well-being. This post outlines key criteria for leaders to choose the best training program. Discover how to select a course that benefits both your team and those they serve. Read more »

How One Simple Practice Can Transform Your Focus, Mood, and Sleep

Looking for one simple change that can improve your focus, mood, and sleep? Morning sunlight is scientifically proven to reset your circadian rhythm, boost serotonin, and help you feel more energized throughout the day. Learn how this easy habit can transform your routine—no extra time or equipment required! Read more »

Rucking: The Walking Trend That Supports Self-Regulation

Heavy work refers to activities that provide deep pressure and resistance to the body, which helps ground and stabilize the nervous system. This kind of input promotes a sense of balance by either alerting or calming, supporting focus, and well-being. Read more »

The Science of Self-Regulation

Unlock the secrets of self-regulation with the Alert Program®! Discover the science behind managing your energy, behavior, and emotions effortlessly. Learn about the brain’s control panel and how to navigate it effectively. Explore practical strategies for mastering self-regulation. Level up your skills and conquer stress with ease. Dive into the science of self-regulation today! Read more »

Burnout on the Rise: Global Survey Exposes Alarming Trends in Workplace Stress

A recent global survey found concerning levels of burnout among workers worldwide. Your Best Self Online Course is designed to equip individuals with strategies to navigate and mitigate workplace stress effectively. Read more »

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