Understanding self-regulation and behaviour - Wellington

Wellington - Wednesday 9 September 2026 - 6-7.30pm

This workshop will help you discover all about the neuroscience behind children’s behaviour based on Dr Stuart Shankers work in ‘self-reg’. It will give practical examples to help you understand why relationships and connection are an important part of teaching tamariki how to regulate their own emotions and help you to reframe what we see as ‘misbehaviour’.

This PLD event is ideal for teachers or teachers in training in early childhood education.

• Learn the difference between stress behaviour and misbehaviour
• Discover the neuroscience behind children’s brain development and how this impacts their behaviour
• Learn how relationship and connection are key components of fostering optimal brain development in tamariki

Presenter - Ali Porteous, Lecturer Kaiako Te Rito Maioha

Ali Porteous has over 20 years’ experience as a kaiako in ECE and has recently started as a kaiako at Te Rito Maioha. Ali has completed a Master’s in education with a focus on child and adolescent wellbeing and is looking forward to starting her Doctoral studies later this year. Ali has shared her experience and knowledge through conferences and PLD both in a national and international context. Ali is passionate about understanding the neuroscience behind behaviour and how kaiako can best support tamariki to be able to regulate their emotions.