kia waiho koe hei kaupapa matua ~ Make yourself a priority.

Kaikorai Primary School is committed to providing a safe place where all children feel a sense of belonging and feel supported in their learning. The mental and physical wellbeing of our tamariki is a priority for us. Research has found that higher academic achievement is more likely when interventions include self-regulation components. To support our wellbeing journey, we have implemented the Zones of Regulation programme school-wide. 

The Zones is an approach used to teach self-regulation by categorising all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete coloured zones.

It provides strategies to teach students to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts.

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behaviour, 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.

The Zones can be compared to traffic signs. When given a green light or in the Green Zone, one is “good to go.” A yellow sign means be aware or take caution, which applies to the Yellow Zone. A red light or stop sign means stop, and when one is in the Red Zone this often is the case. The Blue Zone can be compared to the rest area signs where one goes to rest or re-energise. All of the zones are natural to experience, but the framework focuses on teaching students how to recognise and manage their Zone based on the environment and its demands and the people around them.

We encourage you to use the Zones of Regulation language regularly at home to create consistency in managing emotions across school and home.

All classes have been using the Zones and have done some fantastic work around recognising their emotions and using appropriate tools to help them self-regulate.

If you have any further questions about the Zones of Regulation programme, or are concerned about the wellbeing of your child, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Kristen Ferguson (kferguson@kaikorai.school.nz)