What is Zones of Regulation?
Zones IS:
Why teach self-regulation?
We’re all working on this continually—whether we are aware of it or not. We all experience things that can test our limits; if we can recognise what we are feeling at different times, we can do something about it and get ourselves to a healthy place. Doing this comes more naturally to some people than others—this is where Zones of Regulation comes in.
Sorting our Emotions into four Zones
Feelings are complicated! They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, ‘The Zones of Regulation’ organises our feelings, states of alertness, and energy levels into four coloured Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. Zones uses simple language and visual structures. We learn to regulate our Zones to
meet our goals and task demands, as well as support our overall wellbeing.
Each of the Zones describes a different state of being:
How can you support at home?
Use the language of Zones of Regulation in different places and in different situations. Talk about yourself, for example “I feel like I am in the Blue Zone today, I don’t think I got enough sleep last night.” or “The printer isn’t working, this is annoying me and I feel like I am moving into the yellow zone so I am going to...”
Stay neutral—remember there are no bad feelings—All the Zones are OK!
Show interest in what your child/young person has learned and any activities they have done around Zones of Regulation. Think together about tools/strategies that work at home to help when energy/feelings change. Eg. fidget toys, weighted blanket, favourite snacks, a hug, go for a walk, time with a pet, colouring,
music...
Remember the Green is NOT the goal, we aren’t robots!
Our feelings and energy change throughout the day, our aim is to act on these changes to keep ourselves safe and healthy.
Want to find out more...
Zones IS:
- A simple approach to developing self-regulation
- Support for the social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) and
- well-being of our students and staff
- Flexible and meant to be adapted for each learner’s stage
- A way to talk about and explore emotions
- Used across all our VLC centres by all staff
- An evidenced backed programme, used all over the world,
- Specifically designed for learners with SEND
- A behavioural approach
- One size fits all
- Just about teaching theory
Why teach self-regulation?
We’re all working on this continually—whether we are aware of it or not. We all experience things that can test our limits; if we can recognise what we are feeling at different times, we can do something about it and get ourselves to a healthy place. Doing this comes more naturally to some people than others—this is where Zones of Regulation comes in.
Sorting our Emotions into four Zones
Feelings are complicated! They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, ‘The Zones of Regulation’ organises our feelings, states of alertness, and energy levels into four coloured Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. Zones uses simple language and visual structures. We learn to regulate our Zones to
meet our goals and task demands, as well as support our overall wellbeing.
Each of the Zones describes a different state of being:
- The Blue Zone is where we experience low levels of alertness and down feelings; we may need to rest/recharge.
- The Green Zone is where we are alert, calm and feel regulated; its important to keep using tools that keep us comfortable.
- The Yellow Zone indicates that our feelings/energy are getting a bit bigger and harder to manage; we may need to take action to look after ourselves.
- The Red Zone is a state of high alert and big, over-whelming feelings that take over; we need to pause and take action to help regain some control of our energy/feelings.
How can you support at home?
Use the language of Zones of Regulation in different places and in different situations. Talk about yourself, for example “I feel like I am in the Blue Zone today, I don’t think I got enough sleep last night.” or “The printer isn’t working, this is annoying me and I feel like I am moving into the yellow zone so I am going to...”
Stay neutral—remember there are no bad feelings—All the Zones are OK!
Show interest in what your child/young person has learned and any activities they have done around Zones of Regulation. Think together about tools/strategies that work at home to help when energy/feelings change. Eg. fidget toys, weighted blanket, favourite snacks, a hug, go for a walk, time with a pet, colouring,
music...
Remember the Green is NOT the goal, we aren’t robots!
Our feelings and energy change throughout the day, our aim is to act on these changes to keep ourselves safe and healthy.
Want to find out more...
- Visit www.zonesofregulation.com for more information, blog, ideas and free printables.
- Visit the Zones YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ9X-d3oZvQ
- Explore the Zones App (available on Apple and Android devices).
- Speak to your VLC Stage Lead or a member of the SEND team.
VLC is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) under the Charity No. 1184444.