This year we have introduced a way of interacting and managing ourselves called Zones (of regulation). Our children are learning words/kupu to describe how they are feeling and then we are learning about how to bring ourselves back into balance.

Often when children interact there are situations where they can't express themselves because they are either too upset or because they don't have explicit language to convey exactly how they are feeling. If teachers and student helpers are in the playground and something happens it is essential that our children are able to clearly explain the situation and why they are feeling frustrated or angry or disappointed or excluded or hurt or neglected........The resource teachers of learning and behaviour (Rochelle and Julie) are providing professional support to our teachers and students.

They have been collecting data today to review how well the programme is working throughout our school and they are also giving guidance on the next steps we need to introduce. Zones is called zones because children learn to recognise when they are in the red zone or the yellow zone or the blue zone and they develop mindfulness techniques to help them return to the green zone which is a balanced calm state of mind.

We will be providing more information about Zones throughout the year. If you have time to pop into classes either before school or after school you will be able to discuss the programme and also to see the learning displayed on the classroom walls.