by Julietta Skoog from Sproutable – Certified Positive Discipline Advanced Trainer with an Ed.S Degree in School Psychology and a Masters Degree in School Counseling with over 20+ years of experience helping families in schools and homes.
In the world of early childhood education, empowering children with important social and life skills is paramount. One powerful tool in achieving this is the “Wheel of Choice”. This simple yet effective tool can be used both in the classroom and at home to foster decision-making skills and emotional regulation in young children.
The Wheel of Choice, a circle with different options as “slices” like a pie or pizza is simply a “menu” that gives children choices for a variety of situations. Making it visual is particularly powerful for young children, serving as a learning tool when they are practicing new skills. Most importantly this tool hands the power and control over to the child in a mutually respectful way. They get to practice important life skills, try new options, and feel empowered to solve their own problems.
This powerful tool can teach conflict resolution, emotional regulations, problem solving, flexibility, initiative, and more!
Classroom Applications
In the classroom setting, the Wheel of Choice can be a cornerstone for teaching conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Educators can engage students in discussions about different responses to peer conflicts, such as visiting a calming corner, or giving each other “bugs and wishes,”. Another way to use it in the classroom is to have choices for independent work when they are finished with the assigned task; this can be personalized or as part of a class brainstorm.
By allowing children to take the lead in brainstorming and role-playing, you can personalize the Wheel of Choice for individual students or classrooms. Each class is so unique, so allow the kids to make it their own! This ownership helps to invite cooperation and builds a sense of capability.
Examples of classroom uses: conflict resolution, problem solving, emotional regulation, independent work options.
Check out our Wheel of Choice problem Solving e-book that includes 14 lessons to teach students the skills for using a Wheel of Choice.
In the Home
At home, the Wheel of Choice can be used for problem solving and emotional regulation just like in the classroom. Additionally, families can create a Wheel of Choice to assign household contributions or chores, transforming mundane tasks into engaging activities.
The Wheel of Choice can be invaluable in managing sibling conflicts, providing children with alternative strategies for solving problems on their own such as finding a win-win solution, making a deal or a trade, taking turns, or adding it to the family meeting agenda.
Similarly to the classroom, a wheel of choice can be used as a tool when you need some uninterrupted time, like an important call or meeting. Add special things they ONLY get to do during that time, like going through a special box of costume jewelry.
Examples of home uses: chores, sibling conflict resolution, problem solving, emotional regulation, independent play options.
Individual Support
For children experiencing intense emotions or struggling with self-regulation, the Wheel of Choice can serve as a personal toolkit. By teaching children coping skills and healthy outlets for their emotions, you can teach children to navigate challenging situations with resilience and self-awareness. Add breathing cues, sensory supports, journaling, hugging a stuffed animal, and other regulating tools to the wheel, personalizing it for each child.
Practice! Let the child add the tools THEY resonate with, and that truly help them reintegrate and regulate.
How to Get Started
When introducing the Wheel of Choice, it’s essential to start slowly and allow children time to familiarize themselves with the options. Begin with a few choices and gradually expand the Wheel as children become more comfortable. Encourage children to contribute their ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and agency over the tool. Add pictures. Draw a simple image or icon, or take a real picture of them doing it. Kids love to see themselves!
The Wheel of Choice is a versatile and valuable resource for early childhood educators and parents alike. By providing children with visual cues and empowering them to make decisions, it lays the groundwork for lifelong skills in problem-solving and emotional regulation. Whether used in the classroom or at home, the Wheel of Choice is a powerful tool for nurturing confident and capable kids.
