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®.

Therapists Archives - The Alert Program

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 »

Who can Benefit From the Alert Program®?

You might think the Alert Program® is just for elementary school-aged kiddos. But it supports self-regulation (changing how alert you feel) for all ages, populations and settings. Once you know about the importance of self-regulation, it can take you to some surprising places. Here are seven Alert Program® success stories. After taking an Alert Program® training… Read more »

Engine Analogy? One Metaphor Does not fit All!

The engine analogy is not the “be all and end all,” although the Alert Program® often uses the metaphor of a car engine running high, low, or just right. Young children relate to the playful side of it; adults drive and own cars, so they understand it from a practical standpoint. Naturally, each level has its … Read more

Meet the Alert Program® Founders

If you’re unfamiliar with this dynamic duo of occupational therapists or their fun and effective sensory regulation program, this is the place to be. Read on! The Alert Program® is a cognitive and experiential sensorimotor approach to teach children how to change and maintain levels of alertness necessary for any given task during their day (i.e., how to self-regulate). Sherry … Read more

Sensory Challenges and Solutions for Children & CareGivers

It is likely that, at this very moment, competition for your attention is fierce. While you are reading these words, your brain is being bombarded with countless pieces of sensory information per second, most of which is irrelevant to the task at hand. Can you keep reading? That depends. Do you feel lethargic, like a couch potato? … Read more

Alert Program® Overview: Supporting Children with Autism

We believe that all behavior is a child’s best attempt to communicate. Also, we believe that by understanding self-regulation and sensory issues, we can better support optimal functioning. And that can help children to not only show us their talents and gifts, but live their days happily and interact comfortably in the world. Self-Regulation As … Read more

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