ZONES OF REGULATION
The Zones of Regulation is a simple structure that explains the complex world of emotions. It provides a common language that children and adults can use to express how they are feeling, as well as, provide some tools for helping children when they are in particular zones.
At Arakura School we use the Zones of Regulation to talk with the students about how they are feeling, what is making them feel that way, how it affects them and others, and how they can help themselves or get help dealing with those emotions.
The Four Zones
Blue
Moving Slowly
Sad
Sick
Tired
Bored
Shy
Lonely
Glum
Green
Good to Go
Happy
Calm
Feeling Good
Focussed
Positive
Thankful
Encouraged
Yellow
Out of Sorts
Frustrated
Worried
Excited
Silly
Confused
Nervous
Amped
Red
Losing Control
Mad
Angry
Mean
Terrified
Aggressive
Upset
Violent
Zones at Home
The great thing about the Zones of Regulation is that now that the students have learned this language and are using it regularly to talk about their feelings at school, they will also be able to express this at home.
You may hear your child saying “Dad, I’m in the Blue Zone”, or “Mum, I’m in the Red Zone right now”. These are perfect opportunities to recognise this and talk with them about what happened that caused them to feel this way, and what you can do to help them navigate that zone.
There are no Good or Bad Zones
Remember, no Zone is a “Good” zone or a “Bad” zone. Obviously we want to be in the Green Zone most of the time, but there is nothing wrong with being in the Red Zone. It’s what we do in each zone that matters. Assisting children to recognise and identify which Zone they are in and helping them navigate that zone with different tools and strategies is what moves them into being able to manage their emotions themselves.
Red Zone Thinking
It is important that we do not associate Red Zone with being “bad”.
Feeling mad, angry, or terrified are completely normal in situations we face. These emotions are a normal part of life.
Providing students with tools and strategies to navigate the Red Zone, so that they act and react in appropriate ways is a key learning step in being able to manage their own emotions.