Using the Zones of Regulation as a common language for teaching and learning emotional self-regulation.

What is the zones of regulation?

Zones of Regulation

Green Zone = Ready to Learn

It's important for kids (and adults) to be able to identify their emotions. The zones of regulation is a color coded system that helps us connect with what we are feeling. Teaching kids what these color zones are makes it easier for them to learn more about themselves, what they are feeling, and choose strategies that will help them get back in the green zone.

Throughout the day, when students appear to be dysregulated, we prompt them to identify what zone they are in and let them choose a tool that will help them self-regulate back into the green zone.

Self-regulation = Increased academic learning

A child is not regulated when they are yelling, screaming, hitting or running away. This of course is true for adults too. Self-regulation is a place we all want to be. It gives us a sense of control and allows us to better communicate our needs. The Zones of Regulation strategy is centered on self-regulation.

Students, educators and parents can use the zones of regulation as a common language for communicating about emotional states. It also gives us the opportunity to teach and remind each other that any emotional state is valid, but how we deal with it is what matters. Using the zones of regulation approach we can teach students how to recognize the zone they are in by helping them identify their physical responses to their emotions.

In Summary

Green zone = Ready to Learn

BLUE zone = Too sad or tired to learn.

YELLOW zone = Too excited or anxious to learn.

RED zone = Too angry or out of control to learn.

Self Regulation Strategies

Resource link on Zones of Regulation

www.zonesofregulation.com