The Zones of Regulation (2011) was developed by Occupational Therapist (Leah Kuypers) as a way to help children learn to regulate their emotions by:

• Helping to recognise their feelings
• Helping to communicate their feelings
• Finding tools and strategies to help cope with their feelings

The Zones place feelings and states of alertness into 4 colour zones:

BLUE: This can be described as having a low state of alertness. We don’t have much energy and it is really hard to do things.
 
Some blue feelings are sick, tired, sad, hurt, bored and shy.

GREEN: We are in a regulated state of alertness.

Some green feelings are calm, happy, proud, ready to learn, relaxed, focused and okay.

YELLOW: We are in a heightened state of alertness but we are able to control it.

Some yellow feelings are worried, silly, excited, annoyed, nervous, frustrated.

RED: This is when we feel we are about to lose our cool or explode.

We are in an extremely heightened state of alertness and have very intense feelings.

Some feelings are terrified, mad, angry, elated or mean.

We all experience each of the Zones at one time or another and by helping students learn how to regulate their emotions, they will be able to achieve the preferred state of alertness for the situation they are in.

Simple strategies that can be used include deep breathing, counting to 10 and a progressive muscle relaxation.

Click on the link below for the Zones of Regulation: A Concept to Foster Self-Regulation and Emotional Control.

https://www.zonesofregulation.com/index.html

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Lifeline - 131114 - 24 hour crisis line

Mental Health Access Line - 1800 011 511 - 24 hour triage line from NSW Health - available for carers as well as people with a mental health issue to access the best service for them.

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - free, private and confidential 24 hour phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Kelly Russell
School Counsellor