You may have heard your tamariki talking about being in the Red Zone or perhaps feeling Green. These are terms related to Zones of Regulation which we introduced across the school last year.

So what does Zones of Regulation mean and how does it relate to my tamariki?

Zones of Regulation is an approach used to support the development of self-regulation in tamariki. All the different ways tamariki feel and the states of alertness they experience are categorised into four coloured zones. Tamariki who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time.

THE FOUR ZONES: OUR FEELINGS & STATES DETERMINE OUR ZONE: 

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, 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 lights. When given a green light or in the Green Zone, one is “good to go”. A yellow/orange light means be aware, take caution or slow down, which applies to the Yellow Zone. A red light or stop sign means stop, and when one is 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-energize. 

There are no bad zones, and it is important tamariki know this. It is natural to experience all four zones. What we are doing at Lincoln Primary is supporting them to understand their own emotions and read other people's emotions. The key is what do we do when we are in a certain zone, how do we manage? What supports or strategies do we need?

Across the kura the year levels will use the same language but the approaches will be different based on the age and stage the tamariki are at. To find out more about the Zones of Regulation and how they are used in the spaces please see your kaiako.

*Adapted/condensed from the original work, The Zones of Regulation™ Curriculum by Leah Kuypers 2011, ©Think Social Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.socialthinking.com. www.zonesofregulation.com