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Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school

Lauren Brukner

Cover of Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school

Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

Awesome and in Control Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Strategies for Learning

by Lauren Brukner

Illustrated by Smisson, John, illustrator

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

The soft rustle of paper fills the classroom as colorful cards spread out across the desk. Each one holds a secret to calming your mind and taking charge of your feelings. Imagine finding your own peaceful space right in the middle of a busy school day — but that’s only the beginning.

Themes

EducationSelf-control in childrenBehavior modificationChildren with mental disabilities

Quick Assessment

This illustrated guide offers practical tools for teachers and therapists to support children in developing sensory and emotional self-regulation skills. Designed for ages 9-12, it includes worksheets, lesson plans, and activity cards aimed at fostering relaxation, empowerment, and behavioral control in classroom settings. The book is especially helpful for educators working with children who have mental disabilities or require behavior modification strategies.

Why we rated Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school 11LE

Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school is written at a Level 6 reading level across 214 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Simple stuff to get kids self-regulating in school explores education, self-control in children, behavior modification, and children with mental disabilities — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about education, self-control in children, behavior modification.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

214 pages
ISBN
9781785927614
Pages
214
Publisher
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published
2018
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Self-control in ChildrenClassroom ManagementEducationChildren With Mental DisabilitiesBehavior ModificationSelf-controlChildren With Mental Disabilities, Education