Term 6

Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation 

We use the Zones of Regulation offer as a framework to help children understand and manage their emotions and alertness levels. You can use the Zones of Regulation at home to discuss your child's emotions.

Understanding the Zones

• Blue Zone: Low energy, sad, tired, sick, bored.

• Green Zone: Calm, focused, happy, ready to learn or play. This is the optimal zone.

• Yellow Zone: Heightened emotions, some loss of control, frustrated, anxious, excited, silly, worried.

• Red Zone: Extreme emotions, out of control, angry, terrified, elated.

Introducing Zone Language at Home

• Be consistent by regularly using terms like "Blue Zone" or "Green Zone." 

• Model it yourself; for instance, say, "I'm feeling a bit stressed, so I think I'm in the Yellow Zone. I need to take a few deep breaths." When your child is experiencing an emotion, gently ask, "Which Zone do you think you're in right now?" or "You look like you're in the Blue Zone, are you feeling tired?" 

• Consider using visual aids like posters of the Zones to serve as a constant reminder.

Developing a "Toolkit" of Strategies

Work with your child to identify strategies or "tools" that help them move between zones or stay in the Green Zone. What helps them calm down when they're angry (Red Zone)? What helps them focus when they're tired (Blue Zone)?

Tailor tools to your child. Every child is unique, so their toolkit will be personal. Examples of tools include:

• Blue Zone: Reading a book, quiet playtime, a warm bath.

• Yellow Zone: Deep breathing, counting, taking a break, listening to music, fidget toys.

• Red Zone: Taking space in a calm corner, deep pressure (e.g., bear hugs), quiet time.

It's crucial to practise these strategies when your child is calm and in the Green Zone. This builds muscle memory, making it easier for them to use these tools when emotions run high. You could even create a "Calm Box" with their chosen tools.

Key Parenting Strategies

Observe and anticipate triggers that shift your child into the Yellow or Red Zones, such as hunger or lack of sleep. Empathise and validate their feelings: "It's okay to feel angry, but it's not okay to hit." The goal isn't to prevent emotions, but to manage how they're expressed.

Avoid discussing Zones and strategies when your child is in the Red Zone. Wait until they're more regulated to talk about what happened and what could be done differently. Praise effort when your child identifies their Zone or tries a strategy, even if it's not perfect. Check in regularly by asking, "How are you feeling now? Which Zone are you in?" throughout the day.

By consistently applying the Zones of Regulation, you can empower your child to develop greater emotional literacy, self-awareness, and effective self-regulation skills for life.

If you would like to know more about the Zones of Regulation please speak to Mr Patterson (SENCo), Mrs Chandler (Vice Principal) and Miss Murrells (Pastoral Support Manager)