Wellbeing Supports
Have you heard about the "Zones of Regulation?"
It's quite possible you have heard your child use phrases like "I'm in the green zone", or "I'm in the red zone." Many of our classroom teachers use the Zones of Regulation as a simple and visual approach to teach self-regulation. It gives children language and strategies to express their needs, emotions and impulses in order to successfully engage in their environment.
The Zones are made up of four colours that represent different feelings and emotions, they are Blue Zone– moving slowly, Green Zone– good to go, Yellow Zone – move cautiously and Red Zone – Stop. Students move themselves in and out of different Zones as their emotions change throughout the day.
In the classroom, the four colours of the Zones are displayed so students can show you how they are feeling. If a student is in e.g. the Blue Zone, they recognise they are feeling a little down or sad and then use one of their strategies to move back into the Green Zone ready to learn. Each student may experience their emotions in different ways and use different strategies to regulate their emotions and that is OK. This is one of the many benefits of this approach, it accommodates all individuals.
The Zones acknowledges that emotions in all four Zones are healthy and important, which is an important part of the approach. It also enables communities to use a common language to support children in understanding their emotions.
Here are some insights from the students in Year 5:
Emma: The Zones are what you are feeling, and it helps you work through your emotions. It helps me get ready for the day.
Jorja: The Zones are what you are feeling, it gives me strategies to get out of a zone that I don’t want to stay in.
Tayla-Cruz: The green zone is the ready to learn zone. It helps us know what we are feeling. It can help our feelings go away by doing sensory or laying in the book corner.
You will find some further information in this slide show attached along with some activities to do at home with your child. Thanks to Sharni, our Deakin University Occupational Therapy student for compiling this helpful resource.
Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families
Tune into this free webinar for tips on building resilient families in the coronavirus era.
To help parents and carers build family resilience in these difficult times, the Department is presenting a free webinar by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. This webinar will give families some practical skills, knowledge and strategies for managing the lockdown period and remote learning.
This webinar will be taking place online. You will be sent a link on the day of the event to watch it, via the email address you supply.
Please note that this event will be delivered live only and won't be recorded.
REGISTER HERE https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/managing-the-coronacoaster-tips-for-building-resilient-families-registration-117927100131
(This is a repeat of the same webinar recently offered.)
More ideas and tips:
- https://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/childrens-wellbeing-activities-for-teaching-staff-and-families.html
- https://www.doodlemaths.com/2020/05/19/7-ways-to-support-your-childs-wellbeing/
- Triple P parenting Top tips for COVID 19
- Wellbeing activities and conversation starters for parents of primary school-aged children:
- Wellbeing activities and conversation starters for parents of secondary school-aged children:
More helpful resources:
- Mindfulness: Smiling Mind.
- Mental health and Anxiety: Smiling Mind Digital Care Packs
- Parenting during COVID 19: visit Triple P Online program
- Barwon Health – 24/7 mental health service and support for young people and families 1300 094 187
- Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health resources - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronavirus-covid-19
- Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Advice, tips and resources - help to support your child's health and wellbeing, including online safety, attendance and getting involved in your child's school.
- Parentline - a confidential phone service that offers counselling and support on parenting issues.
- Raising Children Network - evidence based resources for everyday parenting.
Surfside Primary School Support
We as a school community are not going to be immune to hardship and despair during this ever changing situation and we all know of families who are now out of work, suffering hardship and despair. There are a number of ways that we can support as a school so please feel free to reach out at anytime for whatever you need. If we are unable to help out directly we can point you in the right direction:
Email - peter.walsh@education.vic.gov.au or gillian.hodgson@education.vic.gov.au
Feed Me Bellarine - we are a Feed me Bellarine drop off and collection point so if you require meals or would like to drop off some meals please use the above contacts and we will provide the appropriate support
Supports, Strategies and a Positive Mindset
Quarantine at Home - Coping Tips
COVID-19: An Online Safety Kit for Parents and Carers
Podcast: Parental as Anything - Coronavirus Special
Gratitude: The How and Why of Practising Gratitude
Empathy: Empathy Activities for Kids
Mindfulness: Keeping Calm - Meditation Time
Kindness: #TheKindnessPandemic