Wellbeing

At Balambalam Primary School, we know that our students will experience a range of big feelings and emotions, especially as they enter a new school, but also in the learning and playground environments.   Self-regulation is our ability to understand what is happening around us and manage our interactions, behaviours and emotional reactions.  It is an important skill, as students who are able to regulate their emotions and behaviours are able to participate and engage in their learning.

It’s important for students to learn how to regulate their emotions.  With adult support, students can begin to good choices for themselves in order to manage some of the challenges that they may encounter at school, home and in life.

At our school, we will use the Zones of Regulation to help children recognise, understand and manage their emotions. You can use this same language at home to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and self-regulation skills. The Zones of Regulation use four colours to help children identify how they are feeling and what strategies might help them.

Using the Zones Language at home to support your child:

• Name the feeling and the zone:“It sounds like you’re in the yellow zone right now because you’re feeling worried about tomorrow.”
• Model your own zones:“I’m in the blue zone because I’m feeling tired. I think I’ll have a rest.”
• Celebrate the green zone:“You’re in the green zone — calm and ready! That’s great for learning or playing.”
• Check in with your child: “Which zone are you in right now?”
• Practice problem-solving together when strong emotions happen: “What might help you move back to the green zone?” You could try - a drink of water, some deep breathing exercises, going for a walk, listening to music, watching a funny video, reading a book or cuddling a favourite toy or teddy.

Tiffany Bamford

Assistant Principal - Inclusion