ZONES OF REGULATION POWER POINT

At Dorney School, we have adopted a whole school approach to support children with self-regulation and to develop their understanding of their own and others’ emotions. We will be using the Zones of Regulation throughout the school. The children will explore the different zones, developing an understanding of how to identify which zone they are in and how they can go from any zone into the Green Zone. There are displays in every classroom and the children will be working with their class teachers to develop their understanding.

Children will be given the chance to explore and share which zone they might be in at different points in the day through check ins. Children will think of which “tools” they could use to help them self – regulate and staff may make suggestions for them if they are finding it tricky.

There are 4 different zones: Blue Zone, Green Zone, Yellow Zone and Red Zone. There are no good or bad zones to be in; we all experience these zones. It is important children manage their emotions to keep themselves and others safe; by doing this, not only will they build their self – regulation techniques, but they will also become more resilient. The children will be supported in recognising if they need to manage their behaviour depending on different situations they may be in.

At Home

You can help support your child at home by asking them which zone they are in. If your child is finding it difficult to name which zone they are in, you can help them by using “I wonder…”. For example, “I wonder if you are in the yellow zone at the moment, you seem a bit worried”. It can also be helpful for your child if you problem solve with them what might help them, for example “I wonder if some colouring might help” or “I wonder if reading your favourite story with me might help”. Children will be encouraged in school to build a “toolkit” of strategies they can use to help them feel safe again. Each child will have their own strategies that they can use.

Some suggested strategies include:

• Breathing exercises (such as 6 sides of breathing and lazy 8 breathing – see the bottom of this page for these)
• Listening to music
• Reading
• Colouring/drawing
• Exercise
• Yoga stretches