At SCAS, the Zones of Regulation program is used in Primary School to help students better understand and manage their emotions and behaviours. Based on the work of Michelle Garcia Winner, the program teaches students how to recognise their feelings, monitor their reactions, and develop strategies to regulate their emotions.
The system uses four colours to represent different emotional states, making it easier for students to identify how they’re feeling at any given moment. Along the way, they learn about the internal emotions, sensory needs, and thought patterns that come with moving between zones. They’re also introduced to a range of tools and techniques to help them manage these shifts, along with guidance on when and how to use them.
Zones of Regulation also incorporates Social Thinking to help students understand how their emotions and behaviours can affect those around them. The program expands their emotional vocabulary, teaches skills like reading facial expressions and body language, and builds their ability to navigate challenges and solve problems. Ultimately, the goal is to empower students with the tools to better understand themselves and build positive relationships with others.
