Zones of Regulation
What zone might you be in if you’re feeling silly and having trouble listening?
You might be in the yellow or orange zone (excited, silly, starting to lose some control)
What is peer pressure? Give an example from your own life.
When friends influence you to do something, good or bad. Example: Friends chant for you to do something you’re not sure about.
What is co-regulation?
Co-regulation is when people help each other stay calm and regulated.
How might someone feel if the group chants for them to do something they’re not ready for?
Nervous, pressured, embarrassed, or unsafe.
Share a time when you made a conscious choice instead of acting on impulse.
Example: I stopped and thought before joining in, or I took a deep breath before responding.
Name one way you can help yourself move from the “red zone” to the “green zone
Take deep breaths, ask for a break, count to ten, talk to a trusted adult, or use a calming strategy like squeezing a stress ball. Get a drink of water. Calming movement - rocking, swinging.
Is peer pressure always bad? Name a time it could be positive.
No, it can be positive! Example: Friends cheer you on to do your best in a game or test.
What about co-dysregulation
Co-dysregulation is when one person’s upset feelings make others upset too or when one person's energy level revs up others.
What could you say to help a friend who feels left out or “weird” for not going along with a an unexpected group activity?
Invite them to join, say something kind, or reassure them it’s okay to be different.
Tell the group about a time you stayed regulated when others were not regulated ( a “pro-regulation” leader).
Example: I stayed calm and helped others when they were upset or silly.
Imagine you’re feeling really frustrated because a friend isn’t listening to you. What zone might you be in, and what could you do to help yourself get back to the green zone?
You might be in the yellow or orange zone (frustrated, annoyed). You could take a deep breath, use words to express your feelings, ask for help, or take a break to calm down.
Why might someone join in with a group even if they don’t want to?
To feel included, make friends, or avoid feeling “weird” or left out.
What does “pro-regulation” mean? Who invented the word?
Staying regulated even when others are not. Caleb invented the word!
How would you feel if everyone was laughing at something you did by accident?
Embarrassed, sad, or uncomfortable.
Show us with a quick role-play: How would you stay regulated if everyone else was being silly?
Ignore distractions, focus on your work, use headphones, or ask for space.
Can you name one thing you could do in the classroom or at home to help yourself stay in the green zone when you start to feel nervous or distracted?
You could use a fidget, take a movement break, ask for help, use positive self-talk, listen to calming music, or use a visual reminder of your goals.
What does “group think” mean?
When people follow what the group is doing instead of thinking for themselves.
If one person gets super silly, what might happen to the rest of the group?
Others might also silly or move into the red zone (“chain reaction”).
Imagine you made a mistake and someone in the group pointed it out. How would you want others to respond, and why?
I would want others to be kind, understanding, and not make fun of me. It helps me feel safe and supported, and not embarrassed.
Why is it important to be a leader and model expected behavior for your friends?
It helps others make good choices and keeps everyone safe and happy.
If you notice a friend is in the blue zone (sad or tired), what is something kind you could do to help them feel better or more regulated?
You could ask if they want to talk, offer to play with them, give them a compliment, invite them to join a game, or just sit with them so they’re not alone.
Can you think of a time when you did something just because everyone else was doing it?
Example: Everyone chants for someone to do a trick or copies someone’s silly behavior.
How can you help someone else get back to the green zone?
Stay calm yourself, use a quiet voice, offer help, or suggest a calming activity.
If a friend says “no” when you invite them to play, how might they be feeling, and what could you do next?
They might be feeling tired, shy, or just want some alone time. I could say, “That’s okay!” and let them know I’m here if they change their mind, or offer to play together another time.
Can you think of a time when you felt nervous or left out? What helped you feel better?
Example: I felt left out when my friends were playing a game without me, but I felt better when someone invited me to join or when I talked to a teacher or family member about how I was feeling.