Faculty Advisor(s)
Dawn Evans
Files
Abstract
Students Obtaining Tools to Achieve Regulation (SOAR) is a doctoral capstone project that addressed the need for integrated social emotional learning (SEL) in elementary education. SEL is an evidence-based approach shown to improve academic outcomes, behavior, and long-term life success, yet implementation barriers remain in school settings. This project aimed to enhance student regulation, classroom engagement, and teacher confidence in SEL techniques through a multi-tiered approach. A scoping review of SEL literature identified the implementation methods and barriers to SEL curricula in elementary education, which informed the development of SOAR. SOAR consisted of (a) a 20-session, movement-based SEL curriculum targeting self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness for kindergarten through fifth grade students; (b) a comprehensive SEL manual for staff; and (c) classroom self-regulation bins for in-the-moment support. Knowledge translation efforts also extended to occupational therapy students at Misericordia University. Preliminary outcomes indicated improved student SEL skills across all grades, particularly in regard to student emotional regulation skills and emotional vocabulary. These findings suggest that movement-based SEL programming created by occupational therapy practitioners may offer a feasible, sustainable model for addressing socioemotional needs and reducing disparities in educational settings. Additionally, the SOAR capstone contributes to the evolving scope of school-based occupational therapy by promoting SEL and emotional regulation as integral components of inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
social emotional learning, emotional regulation, self regulation bins, elementary school, universal approach
Disciplines
Curriculum and Instruction | Elementary Education | Holistic Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Other Mental and Social Health | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sanguinito, Lacey D., "Students Obtaining Tools to Achieve Regulation (SOAR)" (2025). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025. 24.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2025/24
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Holistic Education Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons