Social Emotional Learning for Term 4

This term our SEL focus will be on the Zones of Regulation. This program complements our established Second Step Social Emotional Learning Program from P-6.

“Zones” is designed to help students identify their feelings and emotional reactions and learn sensory and perspective taking strategies that encourage better self-regulation. This is a classroom and family friendly tool with wide application across students of all ages.

Using a cognitive behavioural approach, the learning activities are designed to help students recognize when they are in different states or “zones,” with each of four zones represented by a different colour:

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated, euphoric, 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 individuals have 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.

All of the zones are natural to experience, but the framework focuses on teaching students how to recognize and manage their zone based on the demands of their environment and the people around them. Learn more in the article, All the Zones are OK! Tips for Managing the Zones You’re In. https://www.socialthinking.com/Articles?name=all-the-zones-are-ok