Zones of Regulation

What are ‘The Zones of Regulation’?

At Boston Pioneers Academy supporting each child’s emotional wellbeing is a central part of our values and practice. Self-regulation (also known as ‘self-control’, ‘impulse management’ and ‘self-management’) is an important part of our curriculum.

We recognise that children often find it hard to learn and concentrate in school due to them experiencing a range of emotions, often linked to events/situations outside their control. As a result, we feel it is valuable to use 'The Zones of Regulation' with all of our learners, to give them strategies to help them not only identify, but ultimately cope with their feelings. This means that they can get back to feeling calm and ready to learn. These coping strategies are called ‘self-regulation’ techniques. However, young children or those who are neuro-diverse may need support to implement these strategies and this is called co-regulation.

How many zones are there?

There are four ‘zones’ of regulation. All are different colours and are explained below. We teach our learners that everyone experiences all of the zones at one time or another,

The 'Zones of Regulation' approach helps our learners to:

Recognise which emotions they are experiencing (which 'zone' they are in).
Learn how to change or stay in the zone they are in.
Increase their emotional vocabulary so they can explain how they are feeling.
Recognise when other people are in different zones (develop empathy).
Develop an insight into what might make them move into the different zones.
Understand that their emotions, sensory experiences (tiredness or hunger) and their environment might influence which zone they are in.
Develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
Identify a range of strategies that support them as individuals. (i.e. Which strategies work best for them).

How to support your child at home?

1. Create a 'Zones of Regulation' strategy board like the one below.

2. Use the 'Zones language' at home e.g. Q. Which Zone are you in? A. Blue. Q. Shall we do some stretches?

I wonder if you are in the yellow zone as you appear to be struggling to listen. Shall we watch a YouTube meditation or grounding video?

3. Use the Zones language when talking about characters in movies or books.