Zones of Regulation
The Zones is a programme designed by an OT (Leah Kuypers, 2011) to teach children about self-regulation by categorising all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete coloured zones.
The Zones framework provides strategies to teach pupils to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts.
- The GREEN ZONE describes a calm, alert state. We may be feeling: happy, focused, content, peaceful, calm. The nervous system feels safe, organised, and connected in the Green Zone, helping us be primed to learn.
- The YELLOW ZONE describes when our energy is higher. Our emotions get a little stronger. We may be experiencing: stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, confusion, nervousness, overwhelmed.
- The RED ZONE describes a state of extremely high energy and intense, very overwhelming feelings. We may feel: elated, anger, rage, devastated, panicked, terrified.
- The BLUE ZONE describes low states of alertness and down feelings. Such as when a person feels: sad, tired, sick, hurt, lonely, bored. Our energy is low and our body is moving slowly when we are in the Blue Zone.
Children are taught that ALL ZONES ARE OKAY! Our emotions are our bodies way of keeping us physically and emotionally safe.
How do we use the zones of regulation at Warrender?
- An assembly and 4 PSHE lessons to introduce Zones of Regulation
- Warrender Zones of regulation posters displayed in all classrooms
- All classrooms have 4 coloured pots a lollipop stick for each child (children move the lollipop stick into the coloured pot that correlates with how they are feeling
- Zones of Regulation toolkit in each classroom with resources that could support the children in regulating
- Parent workshop to introduce Zones of Regulation
- Children created an individualised toolkit for what strategies support them in each of the zones
- Teachers model advocating which zone they are in throughout the day
- Teachers support children in understanding which zone they are in ‘I can see that you are in yellow zone, what could we do to support you?’
Why do we use Zones of Regulation?
- The Zones of Regulation is simple for children to understand and helpful for all!
- It provides a common language to discuss emotions – a language that is non-judgmental.
- Teaches children, not only about emotions, but the physiological signs of each emotion.
- The Zones teach healthy coping and regulation strategies.
- It allows children to identify and advocate their emotions verbally and non-verbally.