As educators and caregivers, we know how important it is for children to develop emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, and
social skills. However, teaching children how to manage their emotions can be a daunting task. That’s where the Zones of Regulation programme has supported us at our school. This programme is designed to help children identify and regulate their emotions, so they can better cope with the challenges of everyday life. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of the Zones of Regulation programme and how it is positively impacting the children at our school.
We introduced the use of the Zones of Regulation in September 2022 and it is already having a positive impact. The programme uses a colour-coded system to help children identify and regulate their emotions. The four colours represent different emotional states: blue for sad or bored, green for happy and calm, yellow for excited or anxious, and red for angry or frustrated. By understanding and recognising these emotions, children can learn how to self-regulate and make positive choices. Each class has a colour-coded chart clearly displayed and accessible for the children to use, at check in, during the morning and throughout the day.
The benefits of the Zones of Regulation programme are numerous. First and foremost, it helps children develop their emotional self-awareness. By learning to recognise and label their emotions, children can better understand how they are feeling and why. This, in turn, has led to improved communication skills and understanding of one another’s emotions.
The programme also helps children develop self-regulation skills. By learning how to manage their emotions, children are learning to make better decisions and avoid impulsive behaviour. This has already led to improved academic performance and better behaviour in some classrooms, and we hope, as we embed the Zones of Regulation over the rest of the year, that this will continue to have a positive impact throughout school.
Pupil Voice is important at Rossett Acre and we encourage our children to share their opinions and views with us. A child in Year 1 said “When I am feeling in the blue zone, I look in my toolbox or use the class ‘well-being well’ to help me. Blue zone can mean you’re tired or sad.”
We have found that the Zones of Regulation programme has also helped the children develop their social skills. By understanding their own emotions and those of others, children can better empathise with others and form positive relationships. This, in turn, has led to improved teamwork and cooperation.
Some of our parents’ have really embraced this method and are using the Zones of Regulation approach at home which is great. A Year 2 child shared the following:
“I have my own zone board at home on my chalkboard and every morning I do my zones. Then when I get home from school my mum talks to me about my zone and if it has changed.”
By working together as a whole community, we are creating a more emotionally literate and supportive environment for our children.
Corrine Penhale, Headteacher at Rossett Acre Primary School said,
“At Rossett Acre, since the introduction of the Zones of Regulation, our children are becoming more adept at articulating how they feel. They are identifying their emotions, and the physical symptoms that can sometimes accompany them. We have a strong focus on developing and supporting our children’s personal development. This was highlighted in our recent Ofsted inspection in June 2022 where we received an outstanding judgement in this area. This approach complements the work our Nurture Team carries out in school, and we are beginning to see a real difference, which is fantastic.”
Written by Eilidh MacGillivray PSHCEe lead and Class Teacher at Rossett Acre Primary School
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