The Energy Bubble Model: A Bi-Directional Framework for Teaching Self-Regulation

A practical, intuitive framework for teaching self-regulation in children

We teach children a great deal about their bodies—but we rarely teach them how to understand their energy.

When we do, we often call it self-regulation. Yet regulation rarely happens in isolation. Children regulate in classrooms, homes, and communities where energy is constantly shared, influenced, and shaped by the people and environments around them.

The Energy Bubble Model offers a simple, accessible way for children to understand how their energy changes throughout the day—and how it interacts with the spaces and people around them.

Rather than focusing only on behavior, this model helps children:

• Notice body sensations
• Recognize emotions
• Understand how their energy fits the moment

Through clear visuals and developmentally accessible language, children learn not only how to adjust their own energy, but also how to communicate and co-regulate with others.

Grounded in neuroscience, sensory processing, and emotional development, this manual provides a shared framework for supporting both self-regulation and co-regulation in real-world environments.

It is designed for:

• Occupational therapists
• Educators and school teams
• Mental health professionals
• Parents and caregivers

Inside this manual, you’ll find:

• The Energy Bubble Model and its underlying science
• How body sensations, emotions, and environment interact
• Practical strategies for everyday regulation
• Structured and experiential activities for children
• Tools for building awareness, flexibility, and independence
• Printable resources for classroom, therapy, and home use

This resource is designed for professionals and caregivers who want to teach regulation in a way that is intuitive, relational, and adaptable across real-life environments.

The goal is not to achieve one perfect level of energy—but to understand and work with our ever-changing energy and to co-regulate together.

Michaela Gordon is a licensed occupational therapist with over 23 years of experience. She owns and operates a private occupational therapy practice in Santa Barbara, CA, where she specializes in supporting children with sensory processing differences and other developmental needs. She is also passionate about the educational aspect of her work, supporting adults-including parents, educators, and professionals-in understanding children's behavior, building awareness around their daily occupations, and supporting meaningful and functional engagement in their daily lives. To learn more about her work and access free resources, visit www.michaelagordon.com.