Zones of Regulation - Body Clues

In wellness classes students have learned the physiological cues our bodies give them to help them figure out what zone they are in. This in turn will help them increase their self awareness and, in turn, self regulate. Here are the body clues that we discussed. Keep in mind that this is a simplified list. There are other clues and they vary from person to person. 

Blue Zone: low energy, body aches, head aches, cranky and not thinking clearly.

Green Zone: able to focus on the present, body still, breathing normal, normal heart rate.

Yellow Zone: body feels warmer, rapid/shallow breaths, heart beating faster, fidgety/can't keep still, brain not focused, muscles tense/ache, wanting to flee/leave the situation, negative thoughts.

Red Zone: talking louder or faster (yelling), running off/away, hard to think clearly, hands into fists, teeth clenched, sweating, body shaking, out of control. 

For an intro to the Zones, check out my previous post: Zones of Regulation - Intro. Also check out: The Zones of Regulation. You can also reach me with questions by email: jstevenson@huusd.org. 

Zones of Regulation - Intro

In wellness classes this year the focus has been on the Zones of Regulation. The Zones is an approach used to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete colored zones: blue, green yellow and red. 

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

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 Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions.  A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, 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.  

Students across the grades have learned how to identify what zone they are in by paying attention to their bodies,  the importance of matching their state of alertness to the situation and what tools they can use to manage their alertness. For example, rapid breathing may indicate that the person is in the yellow zone and could cool down by taking some deep breaths or counting to ten. For more information, check out: The Zones of Regulation. You can also reach me with questions by email: jstevenson@huusd.org. 

 

Inside Out

In a prior post I referenced the Pixar film Inside Out. The story is told primarily from the perspective of feelings - joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust - inside the mind of an 11-year old girl named Riley. Uprooted from her midwest life, Riley is faced with the challenges and emotions of adjusting to a new town, San Francisco, and a new school. For more information, check out the review on Common Sense Media, a great resource!

I have used Inside Out as a teaching tool across the grades in my wellness classes. In the 5th and 6th grades, students created "islands" to represent their interests and values. In the primary grades, I used the film to explore emotions and what makes us feel happy, sad, angry, etc. As you are cooped up inside, this could be a great way to do something fun as a family while using it as an opportunity to do some social-emotional learning! For some ideas, check out 5 Teaching Ideas Connected to Inside Out. Lessons cover identifying, talking about our feelings and "self talk."

Physical Activity...So Important!

Regular, daily physical activity is so important for children and adults! The benefits are numerous, to many to cover here, especially during times of increased stress. Be it indoors or outside. I have been doing my planks each morning and going on walks around Montpelier, where I live, in the evenings. (Side note: the city is so surreal. Very quiet, almost desolate. People avoiding each other, crossing the street, changing directions, etc.)

If you are looking for exercises to do with your child, check out the YouTube channel from the PE teacher at Moretown and Waitsfield, Ally Bataille (linked below). She is planning on posting videos regularly. You can subscribe and her new videos will magically appear in your inbox!

Lastly, keep in mind that physical does not have to look like an exercise routine. Anything that get your body moving is important. I even count vacuuming!

Ally Bataille's Workout Extravaganza! (YouTube)

Zones of Regulation Book Nook

I am a big fan of using literature, picture books in particular, to teach social skills. Just ask your child, I frequently use read alouds in wellness classes, small groups and when working individually with students. Check out the Zones of Regulation Book Nook for great resources to introduce and reinforce the Zones self-regulation concepts. Interested in checking out a title? If so, please let me know! I will figure out a way to get it to you in some form (digital perhaps?).

Zones of Regulation

We have been talking about and utilizing the Zones of Regulation to support students with self regulation. Through Zones, students have learned how their bodies provide them with clues that can help them identify how they are feeling and how they can manage their emotions using a variety of strategies.

Instead of overwhelming you with too much information all at once, I will post regularly with Zones resources. In the meantime, ask your child what they know about Zones. Allow them to take on the teaching role with you as student. I look forward to hearing what they remember!

Here are some Zones-related resources:

• Information About the Zones
• Zones Chart