Wellbeing & Mindfulness 

Monique Driscoll

Wellbeing Team 

Zones of Regulation

This term the students and staff at Kingswood have been introduced to the Zones of Regulation. This framework supports students to be in control of their emotional regulation.

Emotional regulation involves the development of skills to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience. Self - regulation of emotions can be the most challenging part of emotional development. This framework aims to teach students a practical way of measuring their emotions and states of alertness.

Optimal Learning occurs in the Green Zone. Noticing zones throughout the day may be obvious at times while difficult to identify at others.  For example, if a child is lethargic in the afternoon on a hot day we will probably suggest that they are in the blue zone and need to cool down before learning.  On other days, the reason for a child being in the blue zone may be less obvious – it could be because they didn’t sleep well or they missed breakfast. 

The Engine Analogy

By using The Engine Analogy language, children can start to learn about self-regulation. The diagram below outlines how The Engine Analogy links in with The Zones.

BLUE ZONE = Body and brain are running ‘too slow’ and need to REFUEL

GREEN ZONE = Body and brain are running ‘just right’ and ready to GO

YELLOW ZONE = Body and brain are ‘losing control’ and need to SLOW DOWN

RED ZONE = Body and brain are ‘out of control’ and I need to STOP

“Schools have the capacity to play a crucial role in helping students develop a greater sense of social and emotional awareness. Research and experience have shown us that despite adversities, if a student is able to develop and maintain positive relationships with peers and teachers at school, they will achieve better emotional, social, and academic outcomes”.

If any parent is interested in learning more, I would suggest you visit this website.  You may hear your child(ren) and/or their teacher(s) speaking about the zones so, for your information:

THE FOUR ZONES:  OUR FEELINGS & STATES DETERMINE OUR ZONE

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions.  A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behaviour, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone. 

The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone.  A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.  

The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone.  This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.  

The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.