Open Up The Toolbox!
When you feel tired in the Blue Zone, what are some tools that help you stay awake when you need to be?
Taking a walk, drinking some water, eating a snack, exercising/playing, etc.
Your body is moving quickly. You skipped down the hallway and have a lot to talk about. Your breathing is a little bit faster than usual, but you have control of it. Your energy is high but not overwhelming. There is a big smile on your face!
What Zone are you in?
The Yellow Zone!
You sound excited!
TRUE OR FALSE:
The Blue Zone includes feelings like tiredness, boredom, sickness, and sadness.
TRUE
The Blue Zone also includes feelings like shyness, exhaustion, and loneliness.
Imagine you're in class learning about one of your favorite subjects.
What Zone do you think you would be in?
Maybe the Green Zone, for being happy and focused.
Maybe the Yellow Zone, for being excited!
Your teacher is presenting a lesson and usually asks that students raise their hand if they have a comment or question. You got excited about an animal she talked about and decided to blurt out a fun fact you know.
Was this an expected or unexpected behavior for the classroom?
Unexpected!
In the classroom, it is usually expected that students are quiet during lessons unless the teacher calls on a student with their hand raised.
When you feel scared in the Yellow Zone, what are some tools that help you regulate?
Deep breaths, moving away from whatever is scaring me, talking to someone I trust (co-regulating), etc.
Your body is moving very fast and you feel like you can't control it. Your breathing and heartrate are also very fast. Your thoughts are moving quickly and it's hard to think clearly. Your muscles are very tense and your face feels hot. There is a scowl on your face!
What Zone are you in?
The Red Zone!
You sound angry!
TRUE OR FALSE:
The Yellow Zone can be regulated by using a stress ball or fidget toy, taking a walk, and by controlled breathing exercises.
TRUE
Can you think of other ways you regulate your Yellow Zone phases?
Imagine your friend cancels a sleepover you were really looking forward to.
What Zone do you think you would be in?
Maybe the Blue Zone, for being sad, lonely, or bored.
Maybe the Yellow Zone, for being annoyed or upset.
Maybe even the Red Zone, for anger.
Another student walks up to you while you are sitting in the cafeteria and asks to sit at the table with you. You say yes and start a conversation with them about how the school day has been so far for the both of you.
Was this an expected or unexpected behavior for the lunchroom?
Expected!
It may not be an expectation, but it is polite to start conversations with your peers and ask them how they are doing. It is also a great way to make new friends!
When I feel calm and chill in the Green Zone, what are some tools that can help me stay there?
Eat a healthy snack, ask for help if you need it, use a fidget toy, connect with friends, etc.
Your body feels slow and heavy. It is very difficult for you to focus your thoughts on the lesson in class. Your face is neutral and you're having to try hard to keep your eyes open. You have your elbow on your desk in front of you, with your head resting in your hand.
What Zone are you in?
The Blue Zone!
You sound bored and maybe tired :/
TRUE OR FALSE:
The Green Zone is the zone that is most receptive to learning.
TRUE
You can still learn when you are in the Blue or Yellow Zones, but it is easiest when in the Green Zone!
Imagine you are helping your parents cook a holiday meal for your family.
What Zone do you think you would be in?
Maybe the Green Zone, for being happy to be around and help your family, or focused on cooking.
Maybe the Yellow Zone, for being excited about the holiday, or possibly annoyed to be cooking.
Maybe the Blue Zone, for being bored cooking.
You are in the movie theater with one of your friends watching a scary movie! During one scene, the monster jumps onto the screen and you scream!
Was this an expected or unexpected behavior for the movie theater?
Expected!
While it usually is unexpected for you to scream in most environments, a movie theater where you are watching a scary movie is one place where it is okay to express yourself that way!
Bonus points: What if you screamed during a comedy movie at the theater?
When I feel angry in the Red Zone, what are some tools that can help me regulate?
Deep breathing, finding a quiet place to be alone, positive self-talk, co-regulation with a friend or family member, etc.
Your body is moving at an average speed -- not too fast or too slow. Your muscles feel relaxed, but not too relaxed to work or do chores. Your thoughts are easily focused on a task. Your heartbeat is at a normal rate. You have a neutral expression on your face.
What Zone are you in?
The Green Zone!
You sound calm!
TRUE OR FALSE:
The Yellow Zone has the highest level of energy of all the Zones.
FALSE
The Red Zone is the zone with the highest energy and emotional expression.
The Yellow Zone is one step below the Red.
Imagine your parents tell you that you are going on a surprise vacation tomorrow and to go pack your suitcase!
What Zone do you think you would be in?
Maybe the Yellow Zone, for being excited for the trip.
Maybe the Green Zone, for being happy to go somewhere with your family.
Maybe the Yellow or Red Zone, but because you are upset at the sudden surprise and change of plans.
When you get home from school, your parents let you know that you will need to complete your chores before you can start playing video games. In response to this, you throw your backpack and storm upstairs to sit in your room, not doing homework but also not playing video games.
Was this an expected or unexpected behavior for home?
Unexpected!
While it is understandable to be frustrated when your plans are changed, it is unexpected to throw items or leave conversations angry.
A better option would have been to talk to your parents about how you felt and maybe even ask them for their help with the homework.
I feel calm and chill in the Green Zone, but I am about to go play a high stakes baseball game! What are some tools I can use to regulate myself up to the Yellow Zone?
Fast-paced exercise, listening to exciting music, eating healthy food to fuel my body (electrolytes, protein), etc.
Your muscles feel tense and your body is shaking. Your breathing is faster and uneven, and your stomach feels nauseous. Your thoughts are jumbled and it is hard to tell what exactly is going on around you. Your skin is sweating and your eyebrows are scrunched. At one point, you even screamed before you were able to stop yourself!
What Zone are you in?
The Yellow Zone!
You sound scared!
TRUE OR FALSE:
The Red Zone is the bad zone.
FALSE!
There is no "bad" zone or emotion. We all experience all zones/emotions.
The Red Zone includes being very hurt, or panicked in a scary situation. It also includes anger, which can motivate you to change things you dislike.
Imagine you get home after a long day at school.
What Zone do you think you would be in?
Maybe the Blue Zone, because you were so tired at school.
Maybe the Green Zone, because you are relaxed at home.
Maybe the Yellow Zone, because you get to do the fun activities at home you couldn't do at school.
You are feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings in class and can't focus on your worksheet. You decide to ask your teacher if you would be allowed to take a break and come back to the worksheet in a little bit. You also decide to ask your teacher for help if the worksheet is difficult.
Would this be an expected or unexpected behavior?
Expected!
Asking for help is an expected behavior of students or people in need! If you are having a hard time in class, it is okay to ask for a break or accommodation.