Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation

This term, we have introduced the Zones of Regulation under the umbrella of our Mental Health and Well Being Program. If you hear your child talk about what zone they are in, or “being in the blue/green/yellow/red zone” they are talking about how they are learning to self-regulate their emotions. Below is a brief explanation of what the Zones of Regulation are about. If you find your child taking deep breaths, getting a drink of water or counting to 10, they might be using one of the tools to help regulate their brain and body.

We all encounter trying circumstances that test our limits from time to time. If we are able to recognise when we are becoming less regulated, we are able to do something about it to feel better and get ourselves to a better place. This is the goal of The Zones of Regulation (or ‘Zones’ for short).

What are The Zones of Regulation?

The Red Zone​ is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, explosive behaviour or fear when in the Red Zone. Our students are learning that it is really hard to self-regulate when in this state. They may need someone else to tell them what to do when in the Red Zone.

The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions. However, we have more control when we are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.

The Green Zone​ is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.

The Blue Zone​ is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings, like feeling sad, tired, sick or bored. If you have any questions or would like more information about The Zones program, please do not hesitate to contact me or better, your child’s classroom teacher.

For more information: http://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html.