Tuesday Tool Box- Zones of Regulation!

It’s #TuesdayToolbox where we talk about one trick to keep in your toolbox to support your child!

Today’s Toolbox Trick is the Zones of Regulation. 

“The Zones” is a conceptual framework that helps students to gain skills in the area of self-regulation and self-control. 

The lessons and activities are designed to help the students recognize when they are in the different zones as well as learn how to use strategies to change or stay in the zone they are in. 

The Zones categorizes states of alertness and emotions into four colored zones (Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red) and prepares students to use strategies or tools to help them move between zones. 

It is a very effective, widely-used framework (both teachers and therapists use it!) that supports your child.

The best way to start?

Model it for your child.

When you’re in traffic and feeling frustrated, let them know you’re in the Yellow Zone. After you yell at your kids, apologize to them and say you were in the Red Zone, which is why you went to your room to cool off so you could get back to Green. When you’re tired, tell them you’re feeling Blue Zone.

Kids learn so much just by observing. So model it for them, and they will begin to conceptualize it! 

And stay tuned for a Zones of Regulation announcement coming in the next few days!