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The Five Minute SEL Solution That's Transforming Classrooms
Mindfulness Made Easy: The 5-Minute Framework That's Transforming Schools
Tired of battling student behavior? Ready to reduce your own stress while actually helping students develop real self-regulation skills? The Simplicity Shift framework shows you how to turn everyday conversations into powerful moments of growth - for both you and your students.
Using the proven ACT Matrix approach, you'll learn to shift from controlling behavior to building authentic relationships. Students discover what matters to them while developing the psychological flexibility to handle challenges. You experience less stress and more meaningful connections.
No meditation training required. No additional curriculum time needed. Just better conversations that change everything.
This comprehensive digital guide includes step-by-step implementation instructions, conversation templates, visual tools, and real classroom examples. Created by a licensed school psychologist with 40+ years in education.
Perfect for teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff who want practical tools that actually work.
Instant digital download. Practical, proven, classroom-ready
Why Teachers Add the ACT Matrix to Their Toolkit
👉 Traditional approaches like rules, consequences, and behavior charts can help set structure — but they often stop short of teaching students how to regulate themselves. The ACT Matrix goes further by engaging students in collaborative conversations that lead to self-directed behavior change. Teachers use it alongside their existing tools to create calmer classrooms, stronger connections, and lasting skills.
✓ Evidence-based – developed by a school psychologist of the year and Dr. Kevin Polk, ACT Matrix trainer and creator.
✓ Takes 5 minutes to implement
✓ Classroom-tested — proven with thousands of real students
✓ Reduces stress — helps you stay calm during tough moments
✓ Builds student skills — teaches self-regulation, not just compliance
✓ Adaptable for all ages — from elementary through high school
Download Now $9.99
Everything You Need to Start Tomorrow
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✓ Complete Implementation Guide — step-by-step with real examples
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✓ ACT Matrix Templates — both filled + and immediate implementation tools
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✓ Prosocial Matrix Diagrams — for classroom and group applications
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✓ Teacher Quick Reference Sheets — for in-the-moment use
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✓ Real Classroom Scenarios — see how it works with real students
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✓ Bonus: Teacher Self-Care Matrix — the same framework to help you stay balanced
👉 Save hours on research and development
Download the Guide Now- $9.99
What Teachers Students and Administrators Say
A Satisfied Administrator
“We had Phil deliver a Matrix in-service with our support staff, and the difference was immediate. Staff and students noticed improvements, and the conversations shifted. Our team found themselves having more collaborative discussions with teachers — and now, teachers have begun using the Matrix in their daily lessons.”
— Student Personnel Services Administrator
Teachers Discover Possibilities
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. I started using it with my students, and within weeks, they were using the language and could use the Matrix as a tool to help them sort and notice their triggers and reactions.
I began noticing that they were reflecting more on themselves. They were helping each other out, offering suggestions where they had previously been more silent and passive. They began to pay more attention in class and were more invested in their progress in my class and others.
I was even hearing them have what I would call "matrix conversations" between classes in the hallways.
The Matrix process gives them the power to change themselves. My job has become easier since they are learning to provide their motivation as they see themselves becoming more successful.
I feel rejuvenated
~ Behavioral Disabilities Teacher
Student Feedback
I've noticed that I am coming to school regularly. I feel like I am accomplishing something and am excited about graduation.
~ High School Student
I used the diagram to figure out different ways not to let my anger get to me.
~Elementary Student
Boring still shows up for me. I take it with me and do what I need to do.
~Middle school student
Ready to Make Tomorrow Calmer and More Connected?
Join educators who are using the ACT Matrix to transform their classrooms
I stand by this guide. If it truly doesn’t work for your classroom and you reach out, I’ll make it right.
Frequently Asked Matrix Questions
No. The guide is designed for any educator. The visual Matrix and respectful questions are intuitive and require no specialized training.
The Matrix approach was successfully developed with students who don't respond to traditional behavior management approaches. When used with all students, it has the same effect. It addresses underlying needs rather than just surface behaviors.
About 15-20 minutes to practice the framework with a colleague, then 5 minutes (or less) for each student conversation. It integrates into interactions you're already having—no extra curriculum time needed.
No. This is a conversational and relationship framework that integrates into your existing interactions. You're not adding content - you're changing how you approach the conversations you're already having.
The Matrix complements any existing approach. Most teachers use it alongside their current systems to deepen student self-regulation skills. It is used in many different elementary, secondary, and college-level settings.
The Matrix is for everyone, so please share it with your colleagues. For school-wide implementation or team training, contact us about organizational options.
The ACT Matrix for Psychological Flexibility, Safety, and Success!
Follow the Steps and Notice What Shows Up
The ACT Matrix is a simple visual tool that helps you connect with what matters while managing difficult thoughts and feelings. Created by Dr. Kevin Polk and based on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), the Matrix builds psychological flexibility—the cornerstone of mental health and well-being.
How it works:
- The vertical line represents your experience—what you sense in the world (top) and what shows up in your mind as thoughts and feelings (bottom)
- The horizontal line points to your actions—moving toward. satisfaction with who or what matters or seeking relief from discomfort
Why educators and schools use the ACT Matrix:
- Reduces stress and classroom disruptions
- Builds genuine student self-regulation
- Targets all SEL competencies naturally
- Easy to learn and integrate into daily routines
- Benefits both students and educators
The Matrix is backed by research and proven effective for mental health, social-emotional learning, team performance, and organizational success.
Collaborative Crisis Intervention in Schools
"Transforming Calm to Chaos" is the ultimate guide for educators seeking practical strategies to help students in crisis. Using the proven ACT Matrix process, this book empowers educators to intervene and build mental health and social-emotional skills in any educational setting. This engaging book, written by leading expert Phil Tenaglia, provides step-by-step guidance and practical tools for identifying, responding to, and preventing crises. Whether you're a teacher, counselor, or administrator, this book will help you make a lasting impact on your students' lives. Order your copy today and start transforming chaos into calm in your school!
Click Here to Get A Copy and Access Bonus Content Inside the Ebook or Paperback
Schedule a Free Chat with Me
Looking to level up and make meaningful changes in your life? Whether you're striving for personal growth, professional development, or navigating life's complexities, the ACT Matrix can help you achieve your goals. I specialize in applying the ACT Matrix in a variety of contexts, from education to other fields. Are you curious about how the ACT Matrix can enhance your journey? Click below to schedule your consultation.
Psychological Flexibility Pulls It All Together!
Psychological Flexibility is the process of noticing what we are doing, what our minds are up to and what will work to get us where we want to go, even when the unwanted stuff shows up.
The matrix is a model of the science of what works to increase our ability to take effective and empowering action in the world. When we apply it to groups it leads them to feel safe, speak up, contribute meaningfully and work together toward shared purposes and success. In business the matrix leads groups to collaborate, connect and create.
Ready to scale beyond your classroom? The same framework that transforms individual teaching also works at the organizational level. Through customized training and consultation, we help schools and districts shift from control-based cultures to connection-based communities, reducing staff stress while enhancing student outcomes. Contact us to explore organizational implementation
Discover the Power of Psychological Flexibility Coaching and Training Live or Virtually for You or Your Organization
Are You Looking for Effective and Powerful Social Emotional Learning Tools?
The ACT Matrix is an immediately engaging and simple process to promote awareness of self and others for learners of all ages. Using it leads to less stress and happier and healthier classrooms.
This empowering, evidenced based approach was developed by Dr. Kevin Polk, author of several ACT Matrix texts and peer reviewed trainer. It is known world wide as "the workability model" and has endless applications for those who use it.
The Matrix has been field-tested in classrooms and educational programs. It targets all of the core SEL areas naturally. Teachers report that it boosts student achievement, reduces stress, and leads to improved prosocial behavior among learners.
The ACT Matrix ramps up SEL by promoting psychological flexibility, the ability to notice one's actions and use experience to manage difficult impulses and experiences. Using the matrix increases creativity and allows learners to develop their own problem-solving tools.
At the group and classroom level the matrix promotes psychological safety, leading to shared purposes, increased cooperation and collaboration.
The matrix benefits both teachers and students by establishing a shared point of view that facilitates learning and communication. It gets everyone on the same page while allowing for diversity and individual experience. It is highly adaptive and is easily integrated into your daily routines. You spend more time teaching and your students spend more time learning!
Email: [email protected]
Would You Like In Person / Online Training that Gets Results with Less Hassles?
I have a passion for training and presenting the Matrix, known as the "psychological flexibity point of view".
Matrix training is like bike riding. You learn by practice or doing. As you practice with it you notice what works and the ride becomes smooth and rewarding for you and those you serve.
The Matrix point of view is based on the experience of the user. My live trainings are hands on and designed to leave you with functional tools you can use immediately.
I offer online trainings based on your knowledge and willingness to try out the point of view
Beginner:
This introduces you to the Matrix point of view. You learn how to set the visual and verbal context, and ask a few powerful and respectful questions that will increase psychological flexibility and learning.
Intermediate
Once you have the basics down you will be introduced to verbal aikido or the art of spinning words that turn diificult conversations toward understanding and solutions.
Advanced
This is for those who want to dive deeper and use the matrix as a unifying intervention to spark creativity and productivity for themselves and those they serve.
Email: [email protected]
Are Your Teams Struggling, Disorganized or Distressed?
Does your organization or workplace struggle with morale issues? Are your teams in conflict, hurting or losing steam? The ACT Matrix will help them get unstuck and re-energized. Productivity and renewed commtiments to your mission soon follow.
We will come to your site and show you and your workteams how to move toward shared purposes, neutralize conflicts and increase productivity. Helping teams thrive will also reduce absenteeism and employee turnover.
Training can be tailored to your organization's needs. It centers around a 3 Step Plan to build consensus , develop workable goals and monitor results over time.
Step 1
How to use the Prosocial Matrix to develop shared purposes for work teams, identify obstacles and boost morale.
STEP 2
How to move past sticking points using verbal aikido to reduce conflicts and self-sabotage within teams.
STEP 3
We teach you how to fish on your own so that you and your team can use the prosocial matrix process as on ongoing tool to move toward your goals.
Our style is active and enagaging. We will work with you to get the results you want. You will have the tools you need to implement immediate and lasting change.
Email: [email protected]
I am enjoying and learning a lot from Phil’s webinars and trainings! I have used the Matrix with my clients throughout their lifespan. Using the Matrix has created a new way of looking at the world and has stimulated an avenue to create clearer insight.
Christina Pettinato MS, NCC
Speciality Counselor
As a Student Assistance Counselor, I deal with a variety of issues. Phil’s matrix training has allowed me to promote flexibility and growth with students struggling with addiction. I have seen them use it to take charge of their recovery and spend more time pursuing what is meaningful to them.
The Matrix is an excellent tool that can be used in schools, business, and treatment centers. It has helped me grow as a counselor and increase my flexibility, effectiveness, and productivity.
Maura Nixon MA, SAC
NCC
I work with Phil and have been using the matrix in my classroom for several years. Working with students who are disaffected and discouraged is challenging but the matrix gives them powerful tools that increase their chances for success. They and I notice the difference!
Andrew Bezila, Secondary Teacher
Phil is a local champ regarding therapeutic strategies and support methodology. I have had the good fortune to train with Phil, which has strengthened my consultation and intervention skills. The ACT Matrix is a can’t miss program.
John Lestino
School Psychologist
NASP Delegate
Phil Tenaglia, Founder of Evolving Solutions and ACT Matrix Coach and Trainer
Thanks for Stopping By!
