The Zones of Regulation helps children to develop skills in the area of self-regulation. Self-regulation can go by many names, such as self-control, self-management and impulse control. It is defined as the best state of alertness of both the body and emotions for the specific situation. For example, when children take part in sporting activities, it is beneficial to have a higher state of alertness. However, that same state would not be appropriate when working quietly to complete an individual learning task.

The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum based around the use of four colours to help children self-identify how they’re feeling, and categorise it based on colour. The children are taught that there are no ‘bad’ emotions, and that all emotions are felt by everyone at some time. The children learn different strategies to cope with and manage their emotions, based on which colour zone they’re in. Additionally, paired with our restorative practice approach, the Zones of Regulation helps children to recognise their own emotional triggers, learn to read facial expressions, develop problem-solving skills and become more attuned to how their actions affect other people.