From Principal Steve - Zones of Regulation

Dear parents and carers,

We understand that helping your child navigate their emotions and behaviour is of paramount importance. To support them in this journey, we want to introduce you to a concept called the “Zones of Regulation,” which we use at Brighton Primary School.

The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help children recognise and manage their emotions, leading to improved self-regulation and emotional well-being. It provides a common language and set of tools for understanding and expressing feelings appropriately. Here is a brief overview of how the Zones work and their role in your child’s school environment:

What Are the Zones? The Zones of Regulation categorises emotions into four colour-coded zones, each representing a different emotional state:

Blue Zone: In this zone, a person might feel sad, tired, or bored. It’s associated with low energy levels and subdued emotions.
Green Zone: This zone signifies a balanced emotional state. When in the Green Zone, a person feels calm, focused, and content.
Yellow Zone: The Yellow Zone represents heightened emotions like frustration, excitement, or anxiety. It’s a state of alertness and increased energy.
Red Zone: When in the Red Zone, emotions are intense and overwhelming. This could include anger, fear, or extreme excitement. It’s often accompanied by decreased self-control.

How are Zones used in our School? At Brighton Primary School, the Zones of Regulation framework is used to help students recognise their emotions, understand what triggers them, and provide strategies to manage their feelings appropriately. Here’s how it works:

Awareness: Teachers help students identify which zone they are in at any given moment. This cultivates emotional awareness and encourages open discussions about feelings.
Self-Regulation: Once students recognise their zone, they learn strategies to regulate their emotions. These strategies can include deep breathing, taking a break, using sensory tools, or seeking assistance from a trusted adult.
Problem-Solving: The Zones framework teaches students problem-solving skills to handle difficult situations effectively. They learn to choose appropriate strategies based on their zone.
Social Skills: Students practice expressing their feelings and understanding the emotions of others. This improves empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
Positive Environment: The Zones of Regulation fosters a supportive and empathetic school environment where students feel safe discussing their feelings and seeking help when needed.

How can you support at Home? Reinforce the Zones of Regulation concept at home by:

Encouraging open conversations about emotions
Modelling healthy emotional expression and regulation
Helping your child identify their zone and explore effective strategies
Incorporating calming techniques into daily routines
Praising your child’s efforts to manage their emotions

We have attached two resources. The first is a Zones of Regulation poster that can be printed and used to help identify the Zones. The second is a menu of strategies that can be used to help children return to the Green Zone. This list can be added to based on what works for your child (and family).

By understanding and supporting the Zones of Regulation, you’re giving your child valuable tools to navigate emotions effectively, both at school and in their personal lives.

Warm regards,

Steve Meade Heather Jenkins

Principal Student Wellbeing Coordinator