The Zones of Regulation

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In this article, we covered the connection between executive functioning skills and emotional regulation. Behavioral regulation refers to decisions related to actions and what we say, do, or think in response to inner thoughts and desires. The social thinking that is developed in collaborative activities such as interactive games at playtimes was removed from children's lives all over the world. This meant that some children didn't get the opportunity to develop the acceptable behaviours needed to function in school and achieve success in life. When children return to school some teachers reported children having difficulty with impulse control. The Zones of Regulation is a popular framework and self-regulation curriculum to teach regulation strategies for managing sensory needs and emotions to students, children, and other individuals aged 4+. We will teach the children that everyone experiences all of the Zones. The Red and Yellow zones are not ‘bad’ or ‘naughty’ Zones. All of the Zones are expected at one time or another. We will show them that the Blue Zone, for example, is helpful when you are trying to fall asleep.

To enhance learners’ deeper understanding of daily life regulation, the lessons teach several skills, such as reading others’ body language and facial expressions, understanding the circumstance of the situation, noticing the change in body language due to the feelings, when and how to apply regulation tools, insight into circumstances that activate their less regulated Zones, identifying a wide range of emotions in other persons and themselves, and the role of regulation in their personal goals, overall wellness and success in life.

Large Scale Study: Research conducted in 5 schools as part of a comprehensive mental health intervention focused on increasing school safety in schools with significant disciplinary disparities. The Zones of Regulation was the chosen intervention for 62% of students receiving this intervention. Publication

Self” means you or me. “Regulation” means the process of being in control or to have management. So, add these two terms together and you get “self-regulation”. Be consistent. You don’t want to confuse anyone, so make sure to be consistent with your Zones of Regulation and how you use them, across all settings. Self-regulation can refer to emotional regulation or behavioral regulation. Self-reflection of feelings, emotions, and our response to situations is the ability to use emotional regulation.The Zones of Regulation methodology and teaching approach is built upon leading neuroscience and cognitive theories, integrating evidence-based practices: Modify the classroom or learning space to support emotional regulation. Provide sensory tools like stress balls or fidget toys, designate quiet zones for calming activities, and display visual cues of the Zones for easy reference. It’s important to include things on the poster like a social story of sorts that shows how not to act or behave, including dangerous consequences or hurting others as a result of angry feelings.