Zones Of Regulation

At Makara Model School, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive emotionally and academically. To help achieve this, we utilise the Zones of Regulation curriculum.

The Zones of Regulation is a structured, cognitive-behavioral approach designed to teach students self-regulation and emotional control. It categorises all the different ways we feel and states of alertness into four distinct colored zones:

♥ Blue Zone: Used to describe feeling low, slow, or down (e.g., sad, tired, sick, bored).
♥ Green Zone: The ideal state for learning and being at school, signifying a calm and focused feeling (e.g., happy, calm, ready to learn, content).
♥ Yellow Zone: Used to describe a heightened sense of alertness or energy, but still maintaining some control (e.g., frustrated, worried, silly, excited, nervous).
♥ Red Zone:  Used to describe extreme emotions or a state of being out of control (e.g., angry, terrified, euphoric, aggressive).

Implementation at Makara Model School

The Zones of Regulation isn't just a poster on the wall; it's a whole-school language and framework integrated into daily school life:

1. Direct Instruction: Students will receive explicit, age-appropriate lessons on identifying their current Zone, understanding what triggers a shift between Zones, and recognizing how their behavior impacts others.
2. Developing Tools: We teach students specific tools or coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing, taking a break, using a stress ball) they can use to help themselves move from a less desirable Zone (like Yellow or Red) back to the ready-to-learn Green Zone.
3. Universal Language: Teachers, staff, and students use the Zones language consistently across all settings - in the classroom, on the playground, and during specialist subjects. This common vocabulary makes conversations about feelings neutral and accessible.
4. Creating a Toolbox: Classrooms have designated areas or "toolboxes" containing items and strategies (visual aids, sensory tools, physical activities) that students can use independently to self-regulate.

By implementing the Zones of Regulation, we empower our students to become more aware of their emotional state, better able to manage their reactions, and ultimately, more independent and resilient learners. We encourage our school community to embrace this shared language to support our students' emotional development both at school and at home.