Have you heard your student(s) talking about the Zone that they are in?  At St Benedict’s we use Zones of Regulation as a whole school approach.  This helps students to learn to recognise their emotions, reactions and behaviours whilst it provides us with a common language to engage in discussion.  

The key to the success of this program is the use of appropriate tools to help students begin to regulate their emotions and responses.  To support this learning, we have sensory regulation tools available in classrooms for students to access.  By assisting students with a language to acknowledge how they feel, then a conversation can follow about how they feel and what can be done about it.  

It's important to always acknowledge that each zone is valid.  Anger is a real emotion that we all feel at times.  This emotion can have benefits including preparing us for our fight or flight response when in danger.  It is also important to teach students what is an appropriate behavioural response when in each of these zones - this forms part of our ongoing education throughout the year with students.  

You can support this learning at home too, by using the common language.  Here is a little video (link) that is a great explanation of Regulation and what each zone might look or feel like and the impact this can have on learning.

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone among you cheerful?  Let him sing praise.  James 5 : 13

Yours in support

Ros