An Introduction to the Zones of Regulation

At St Alban’s, we believe that fostering emotional intelligence is as crucial for helping children become well-rounded individuals. To support this, we've implemented the "Zones of Regulation" framework in every classroom across our School. Created by Leah Kuypers, this framework is designed to teach children how to recognise and manage their emotions effectively.

The Zones of Regulation categorise emotions into four distinct zones:

1. Blue Zone: Feelings like sadness, tiredness, or boredom fall into this category. When in the Blue Zone, a child might need to be energised to be ready to learn.
2. Green Zone: This is the optimal zone for learning, where the child feels happy, focused, and ready to learn.
3. Yellow Zone: Emotions like frustration, excitement, or nervousness. While the child is not entirely out of control, there's some alert to proceed with caution.
4. Red Zone: This zone identifies heightened emotional states such as anger or terror. Here, the child is out of control and needs tools to calm down.

Zones in Every Classroom

We have the Zones displayed prominently in every classroom, enabling children to better identify what they are feeling at any given moment. Teachers regularly refer to these zones throughout the day, encouraging children to recognise and verbalise their emotional states. This awareness is the first step in learning to recognise and regulate their emotions.

A Toolbox for Emotional Regulation

To help our children navigate their emotions, we offer a 'toolbox' of strategies aimed at assisting them to self-regulate. These tools may include:

1. Breathing Techniques: Deep breaths can help to calm the mind and provide a sense of control.
2. Positive Self-talk: Encouraging children to say positive affirmations can change their mindset and emotional state.
3. Visual Cues: Pictures and symbols that remind children of ways to self-regulate.
4. Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from a situation is the best way to regain emotional balance.
5. Physical Activities: Physical movement can be an effective way to shift between zones. For instance, a few star jumps can move a child from the Blue Zone to the Green Zone.

Involving Parents

Parental involvement is critical in helping children practise emotional regulation at home. We encourage parents to discuss the Zones of Regulation with their children and apply the toolbox strategies. The more consistently these tools are used, both at school and at home, the more proficient your child will become at self-regulation.

We are committed to providing a supportive environment that helps each child become emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and capable of managing their emotional and behavioural responses.

For more information on the Zones of Regulation, please visit the official Zones of Regulation website, or feel free to talk out to your child's teacher.

Together, we can empower our children to become emotionally intelligent individuals capable of navigating life's ups and downs.

Below you will find a copy of the Zones of Regulation to download, along with a 'tool box' of strategies to support emotional regulation.