Zones of Regulation
At Nickajack Elementary, we use the Zones of Regulation to help students understand their feelings, manage their emotions, and make positive choices throughout the day.
The Zones of Regulation uses four colors to help students recognize how they are feeling and learn strategies to get ready for learning. All feelings are okay—we all move through different zones every day!
🔵 Blue Zone
When I feel:
- Sad
- Tired
- Sick
- Bored
- Lonely
What I may need:
A movement break, a snack, a drink of water, encouragement, or an activity that helps me feel more energized.
🟢 Green Zone
When I feel:
- Calm
- Happy
- Focused
- Ready to learn
- In control
What I may need:
Keep using the strategies that help me stay successful and ready to learn.
🟡 Yellow Zone
When I feel:
- Frustrated
- Worried
- Nervous
- Silly
- Excited
What I may need:
Deep breathing, a break, stretching, talking with a trusted adult, or another calming strategy.
🔴 Red Zone
When I feel:
- Angry
- Overwhelmed
- Panicked
- Out of control
- Extremely excited
What I may need:
Time to calm down, support from an adult, and strategies to help my body and brain feel safe again.
Remember:
⭐ There are no bad zones. Every zone is a normal part of being human.
⭐ The goal is not to stay in the Green Zone all the time. The goal is to recognize how we feel and use tools to help us be successful.
⭐ At school and at home, students can build a "toolbox" of strategies such as deep breathing, movement, positive self-talk, taking a break, or talking with a trusted adult.
By using a common language for emotions, the Zones of Regulation helps students build self-awareness, self-control, and confidence as learners and friends.
