Zones of Regulation

Zones of Regulation is a programme designed to help children recognise and manage their emotions, energy levels, and behaviours. It uses four colour-coded “zones” to describe how we feel and behave: Blue Zone (sad, tired, or bored), Green Zone (calm, focused, and ready to learn), Yellow Zone (frustrated, anxious, or wiggly), and Red Zone (angry, out of control, or upset).

Importantly, no zone is bad each zone is useful for different situations. The zones simply help children identify how they are feeling and choose strategies to respond appropriately.

Children learn tools to regulate themselves, such as breathing exercises, taking breaks, or asking for help. By recognising which zone they are in, children develop self-awareness, emotional literacy, and problem-solving skills.

Parents can support this learning at home by talking about the zones, noticing how their child moves between them, and practising calming or alerting strategies together. Zones of Regulation helps children feel more in control of their emotions and behaviours, building confidence, focus, and positive relationships both at school and at home.