At Isleworth we have been working hard on appropriate responses to behaviour. After discussion with the Ministry of Education and RTLB service we are introducing the Zones of Regulation.

The Zones of Regulation is a framework used to teach students how to manage their feelings and get them to a 'happy' place using four coloured zones. 

This curriculum has been developed by Leah Kuypers, it is evidence based practice, and widely utilised in a variety of schools both nationally and internationally.

Students are taught specific skills and coping strategies to support them throughout the day. This helps them to become more aware of their feelings, regulate their actions, which can lead to an increase in control over their behaviour and capacity to problem solve in times of trouble.

There are four zones to describe how your brain and body feel. 

BLUE Zone – Your body is running slow, such as when you are tired, sick, sad or bored.  

GREEN Zone – Like a green light, you are “good to go.” You body may feel happy, calm, content and focused. This is the optimal ready to learn zone.

YELLOW Zone – This zone describes when you start to loose control, such as when you are frustrated, anxious, stressed, excited, nervous, worried, silly or surprised. Use caution when you are in this zone. 

RED Zone – This zone is for extreme emotions such as anger, rage, devastation, terror and aggression. When you are in this zone, you are out of control, have trouble making good decisions and must STOP!

Throughout Term 3 we will be introducing these zones, some students may already be familiar with the material and strategies.

Lessons will focus on: identifying our feelings, understanding triggers and contexts, what each zone looks like, feels like and sounds like, tools for moving us back to the Green Zone - ready for optimal learning.

While introducing the Zones there will be a few snippets from the movie 'Inside Out' that students will view. If you have time these holidays it is an oldie but a goodie that you could watch together and discuss - optional of course, not a directive!