Lesson 2: Identifying the different zones
To return back to mini-course: The Zones of Regulation in the Elementary Classroom and Beyond
To return back to unit: Unit 1: What are The Zones of Regulation?
To return back to lesson 1 Lesson 1: Definition of The Zones of Regulation
Introduction
The Zones of Regulation are color coded zones that help users to identify their emotions. Each zone represents a set of emotions that are all similar to one another. According to zonesofregulation.com, "All of the zones are natural to experience, but the framework focuses on teaching students how to recognize and manage their Zone based on the environment and its demands and the people around them." Read the section entitled "The Four Zones: Our Feelings & States Determine Our Zone," on the following link to learn more about each zone: [1] Next, read the following article "How Do Emotions Work?"[2]
Blue
Emotions: Sick, tired, bored, sad
Click on the following link to watch a short clip about Blue Zone:
This is the "moving slow" zone. When categorizing these emotions, think of a time you have felt each of these ways. Your body was slow, wanting to stay in bed or not wanting to do much. Some ways to identify the blue zone: Tears in your eyes, yawning, slow/somber voice, body movements/thoughts are slower. According to "How Do Emotions Work?" it is easy to stay in blue zone once you are there. The brain automatically starts thinking of other sad memories once the emotion of sad is already being felt.
Body positions: Shoulders down, frown on ones face, eyes down, slow pace.
Think: Think of a time you were in blue zone. What did your body look like? How did you feel? What did you do to move out of the blue zone? (Coping skills are what we use to help us move back into green zone, this will be discussed in unit 3).
Green
Click on the following link to watch a short clip about Green Zone:
Emotions: Happy, content, focused
This is the "good to go," zone. When in the green zone, our body/brain is in a state of being content. We are in control of our body and emotions. This is the zone that we want to be/stay in. The green zone is also tied to memories. "How Do Emotions Work?" gives the example of a dog. A positive memory tied to dogs means that dogs will keep you in green zone. However if you have a negative memory associated to dogs (being bit, or chased) may put you in yellow zone as you feel scared/nervous.
Yellow
Click on the following link to watch a short clip about Yellow Zone:
Yellow zone is similar to the red zone, however, in the yellow zone, there is more control of the emotions being experienced. You can feel slightly angry in yellow zone, however you have control over that anger. In yellow zone, we have an easier time moving on from the emotions we are feeling.
Emotions: stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silly, nervous
In yellow zone, our bodies might be moving a bit faster. Some people may be making silly faces or jokes. We might be jumping up and down. We can also exhibit signs of anxiety such as nail biting, fidgeting, and shaking.
Red
Emotions: Anger, rage, devastation, terror
Click on the following link to watch a short clip about Red Zone:
Activity
Self Check: Think of a time/moment in your life. What zone did that moment put you in? Describe how you felt and the moment around you. Think of your general surrounding when describing the scene (Who was there? What time of day? What was happening? Where were you? etc..). When finished click "Share." Then type in email Guerrierok942@strose.edu to share with the instructor. [3]
Final Thoughts
When thinking about the zones, it is important to remember that learners do not move threw them in a clear order. A single moment can move someone to the blue, yellow, or red zone. Green zone is the "Good to go," zone (the zone we want to always move back into).
Now that you have information on the emotions correlated to each zone, test your knowledge! Participate in the following matching activity:[4] Be sure to share it with the instructor when complete. When finished click "Share." Then type in email Guerrierok942@strose.edu to share with the instructor.
Move on to Unit 2: Unit 2: What are different ways to help students identify their feelings in the classroom?