Student Wellbeing
ZONES OF REGULATION
Zones Of Regulation - Blue
In Previous newlsetters, we have shared information about the green, yellow and red zone and today we will share the final zone, the Blue Zone. The Blue Zone is a state of low energy levels, tiredness and feeling lethargic. Sometimes when we have had a lack of sleep, feel burnt out, sick or bored we will enter the Blue Zone.
When in the Blue Zone, it is important that we acknowledge the way we are feeling and attempt to wake up our bodies. To regulate this zone, it is best to get the body moving again, through activities such as going for a run or walk, bouncing a ball or jumping on a trampoline. In this state, often rest is important, however is not always practical in a school setting. At school we encourage the students to get outside and complete a physical activity, or we break up sessions by doing a Go Noodle. These allow for students to regulate, refreshes their brain and allows them to identify other tools that also help them to regulate
How can we help our children at home?
Modelling is the best teaching tool we have for developing our children’s self-regulation. Teachers are doing this in the classroom and we encourage families to do this at home. Some examples of the language and questions you can use include;
- “I am feeling tired, I must be in the blue zone. What do you think I can do that will help me?”
- “I can see you are in the blue zone, what tool do you think you can use that will help you?”
- “I’m going for a walk, I need to get into the green zone.”
- Teach your child what zone tools they can use - “It’s time for bed, let’s read a book together in the bean bag to help us to get into the Blue Zone.”
Evidence has shown that children who can self-regulate are more likely to become teenagers and adults who can self-regulate. This is why teaching and using the Zones of Regulation at a Primary level is so important.
Janine Hough - janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au
Brad Ryan - bradley.ryan @educaiton.vic.gov.auJanine and Brad.
