What are the Zones of Regulation?

Zones of Regulation is an approach used to support the development of self-regulation in children. 

The approach is based on research and is highly respected as a systematic, cognitive behavioural technique leading children to greater independent regulation.  

How do the Zones of Regulation help children?

• Provides a vocabulary to talk about emotions
• Helps children recognise their own emotions
• Helps children to detect the emotions of others
• Helps them recognise what might trigger certain emotions
• Helps them see how others may interpret their behaviour
• Gives them tools for problem-solving

Important things to remember:

• There is no ‘bad’ zone.
• Everyone experiences all of the zones at different times and in different circumstances.
• We can’t change the way children feel but we can help them manage their feelings/states and behaviours and validate their feelings, ‘I can see you are angry and I understand, but it is not okay to …’
• You can be in more than one zone at a time
• If a child is in the red zone, you must limit the verbal – this is not a teachable moment!  Instead, discuss the use of tools when the child is calm and well regulated and plan for if/when it happens again.

Tools and strategies

Blue zone

This is where we need to help our bodies wake up, feel better and regain focus. What can I do if I am in the blue zone?

Green zone

This is where we are feeling calm, focussed, happy and ready to learn. We are well regulated and proactive.  What can I do if I am in the green zone?

Yellow zone

This is where our feelings are heightened but we are still in some control. We need help to calm ourselves.  What can I do if I am in the yellow zone?

Red zone

This is where we are feeling completely overwhelmed.  We need help to stay safe and calm down. What can I do if I am in the red zone?