Zones of Regulation
Expected vs. Unexpected
Size of the Problem
Coping Skills
*~ Potpourri ~*
100

When I'm in the ____ Zone, I feel sad, tired, or bored.

Blue

100

Unexpected behaviors make others have ____ or _____ thoughts about us.

"Bad" or "uncomfortable"

100

Your pencil lead breaks during class. This is a ____ problem.

Small

100

What are two coping skills that you can use when you are in the Red Zone?

Take deep breaths; count to 20; use mindfulness; exercise; punch a pillow; squeeze a stress ball

100

Act out a positive coping skill to use when you're in the Yellow Zone.

Bravo!

200

This is the best zone for learning.

The Green Zone
200

Expected or Unexpected? Giving up when the work is too hard.

Unexpected

200

You forgot your homework at home. This is a ____ problem.

Medium

200

What are two coping skills to help you get out of the Blue Zone?

Watch a funny video; take a nap; eat a snack; talk to a friend/loved one; exercise

200

What is empathy?

Understanding how someone else feels.

300

True or False: There are no good or bad Zones.

True

300

True or False: The setting (where you are) can determine if a behavior is expected or unexpected.

True. For example, it is unexpected to yell in the library, but expected to yell at a football game.

300

True or False: The size of your reaction should not match the size of the problem.

False

300

True or False: There are no bad coping skills.

False. Some coping skills might make us feel better but may hurt others, hurt ourselves, or get us in trouble.

300

True or False: My actions can affect the feelings of others.

True

400

Alex is upset and overwhelmed, because they have a lot of homework and two tests this week. They don't know what to do. What Zone are they in?

The Yellow Zone

400

Aiden's little brother just accidentally erased his saved data on his video game, and now Aiden is in the Red Zone. He decides to go to his room, scream in his pillow, and take deep breaths. Is this expected or unexpected?

Expected. Instead of losing control, Steven used some coping skills to help calm him down.

400

Tyler raised his hand to answer a question but didn't get called on. He began to pout and put his head down. Does his reaction match the size of the problem?

No. He is having a medium reaction to a small problem. 

400

Kara's teacher told her that she has to re-write her essay. She is feeling in the Yellow Zone. What are two strategies she can use to help her get back to the Green Zone? 

Take deep breaths; use positive self-talk; listen to some music; count to 20

400

What are two ways you might feel anger in your body?

Hot face, racing heart, clenched fists or jaw, heavy breathing

500

When is it OK or expected to be in the Red Zone?

If you are hurt, in pain, loss of a loved one, or if you have a big problem. 

500

What are some expected ways to handle a conflict with a friend?

Take turns talking through the problem; tell them how you feel; tell them what you need; make sure that you are calm enough to talk; ask an adult for help

500

How do you know when you have a big problem?

You might have a big reaction (yell, cry, hide); you might be in the Red Zone; you need help from others to solve the problem; the problem could last a long time (months, years).

500

Name one coping skill that you can use to distract you from your negative thoughts.

Do something else: listen to music; watch a video; play a game; read a book; do a craft; talk to a friend/loved one; use a grounding technique; practice mindfulness

500

What is mindfulness and how can it help us manage our emotions?

Mindfulness is paying attention to your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Mindfulness can help us control our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and keep us in the Green Zone.