Take me to the Green Zone

As highlighted in last week’s newsletter, The Zones of Regulation framework is a tool we use at school to students understand their emotions and develop skills that help them self-regulate, or return to a more productive controlled state (but it can also be just as useful for adults).

The Zones are divided into four colour-coded areas, each representing a different. Today, we want to focus on ‘The Green Zone’

The Green Zone is often referred to as the "Ready to Learn" or "Good to Go" zone. When a child is in the Green Zone, they are typically experiencing feelings such as contentment, happiness, and relaxation. Their attention and focus are optimal, allowing them to engage effectively in various activities, learn new things, and maintain positive relationships.

When in the Green Zone, our kids are able to manage stressors and challenges with a clear and rational mindset. They are more likely to make thoughtful decisions, handle conflicts peacefully, and navigate social interactions successfully.

Transitioning into the Green Zone requires the use of effective self-regulation strategies. Some of the strategies you can discuss and practice with your children include:

· Deep Breathing and Relaxation: TBreathing deeply and slowly can help calm the nervous system and shift them back to the Green Zone. For instance, practice the "Balloon Breaths" technique: Inhale slowly through the nose, imagining you're filling up a balloon in your belly, and then exhale slowly through the mouth as you deflate the balloon.

· Emotion Identification: Sometimes, children might not have the words to express how they're feeling. Provide them with a feelings chart or visual aids to help them recognize and name their emotions. This can promote self-awareness and make it easier to regulate their feelings.

· Positive Self-Talk: Encourage your kids to use positive self-talk to reframe their thoughts and emotions. Teach them to challenge negative or anxious thoughts by replacing them with positive affirmations. For instance, if they are worried about a test, they can tell themselves, "I've studied and I'll do my best."

· Movement and Physical Activity: Demonstrate how they can use short movement breaks into the day to release excess energy and stress. Engage in simple exercises or stretches. Physical activity can help shift students from the Yellow or Red Zones to the Green Zone by promoting relaxation and focus.

· Sensory Activities: Guided exercises or sensory tools like stress balls can be used to redirect attention and reduce anxiety. Encourage your children to focus on the present moment, which can help regulate their emotions.