As we continue to focus on the virtue of Fortitude, we are leveraging the research and resources associated with the "Zones of Regulation". This provides students with a key to understanding their emotional responses and helps then identify appropriate and effective strategies to assist with emotional regulation.

Over the last two weeks, we have been introducing the idea of zones of regulation to the students. This has been an exceptionally useful tool for our students. 

As parents - I encourage you all to familiarise yourself with these zones so you can utilise them to help with your children's emotional regulation at home. 

What is “Zones of Regulation” 

The Zones of Regulation Programme is a framework designed to foster self -regulation and emotional control. It was developed by Leah Kuypers in 2011 (OT/autism specialist in America).

How does it work 

It groups emotions into 4 Zones; Blue, Green, Yellow and Red and teaches us to recognise how we are feeling and what we can do in each zone to help deal with our emotions in an acceptable way. There are no bad zones but operating in the green zone is preferable. People may move through the zones during the course of their day.

Why use “Zones of Regulation” 

If we teach our children “good” coping and self-regulation skills, they can help themselves when they become anxious, sad or stressed. Returning back to school after our Covid-19 lockdown may be an unsettling or anxious time for children. Teaching our children about using helpful strategies when they are in a calm state will give them the tools to deal with overwhelming emotions when they occur.

Who benefits from Zones of Regulation 

We all benefit by being able to recognise our emotions, what triggers certain emotions in us and what we can do to regulate our emotions. Although this is written for your child at home and at school, you may find the strategies will work for adults as well.