Our Positive Behaviour policy includes building children’s understanding of the Zones of Regulation. This enables children to recognise their feelings, talk about them and have strategies to manage when they don’t feel great. As adults, most of us do this well but it is a skill that we learn. Knowing that we feel troubled by something is the first step to putting it right and getting back on track. This strategy fits very well with the restorative approach to managing conflict which we have used for several years.
A brief description of the 4 zones are below. It would be really helpful if you could use this language at home with your child too.
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.
To learn more about the Zones of Regulation please visit the website below.
Hand Model of the Brain- Flip the Lid