My Mind Check can tell you if a student has expressed concerns about their concentration, and difficulties regulating their emotions and behaviours, when they did the check-in. Externalising problems relate to how students regulate their emotions and behaviours and how they:
- maintain their focus and concentration
- manage their emotions when they have to stop doing something they want to
- regulate their anger or frustration when interacting with peers and things do not go their way
Each student differs in their ability to focus and regulate their emotions in various situations. Some may be able to focus on single and multiple tasks for extended periods, while others may become restless and disruptive, needing breaks, frequent activity changes or explicit incentives to keep their interest. While some students can easily shift from tasks they enjoy, or are able to cope with disagreements with peers, others become upset, angry and do not listen to adults.
