Have you heard of the Zones of Regulation curriculum?! It was developed to teach students to regulate their actions. Students learn to manage their emotions by categorizing their feelings into the four zones and improving their ability to solve conflicts. It was suggested in our Student Shadowing Professional Development, as a way for teachers to check in with students' emotions.
Teachers explained the observed pattern of students 'falling through the cracks' and not getting the support needed because they are not students with major behavior issues. These students meet grade-level expectations and are not referred to intervention programs, but are not interacting with other students or communicating their struggles. The Zones of Regulation tools can be used throughout the day. Students learn to become conscious of their emotions and teachers learn about their students' feelings. It's a win-win!
This is one way to use the curriculum, students place their stick in the appropriate zone. Students identify their zone when they come into the classroom each morning and can change zones as their feelings change. It's a great way for students to feel validated and teachers to check in and connect with students. For example, a student may not come in and discuss their stressful morning without being prompted. But when they identify their zone, the teacher can quickly check the zones and follow up with those students; "I noticed that you started the day in the blue zone, how's your day going?" Teachers can easily identify and support students who may be overshadowed by students with behavior issues.
At my school site, there is a break area for students to take a break and get themselves back to the green zone. Students are becoming aware of their emotions and learning to solve problems independently!
I loved learning about the different zones and can't wait to implement this in my classroom!
