A Concept to Foster Self-regulation and Emotional Control

At Coomera Rivers we use, Zones of Regulation to teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel and states of alertness we experience into four concrete colored zones.

Many of life’s regular events cause everyones emotional states to become less regulated; our emotions move into the “yellow” “blue” or “red” zones. Zones of Regulation teaches students to become aware of their feelings and emotions and to recognize triggers that cause their emotions to rise.

Our feelings and states of mind determine what zones we are in.

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions.  A child may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behaviour, devastation or terror when in the red zone. When in the red zone we often feel a loss of control.

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 child may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles or nervousness in the yellow zone.

The Blue Zone is used to describe a low state of alertness and feelings such as sad, tired, sick or bored.

The Green Zone is used to describe the ideal state of alertness. A person may be described as calm, happy, focused, content or ready to learn when he or she is in the green zone. A strong sense of internal control is experienced when in the green zone.