Building My Zones Toolbox
In Concept 8 (C8), we deepen our understanding of regulation tools, noticing our body signals to reflect on the impact a tool is having on our regulation. We also introduce the Tool of the Week. This structured practice provides a routine for exploring a new tool each week, giving learners multiple practice opportunities to try out the tool and gauge its effect. As we explore new regulation tools, learners are given agency to determine which ones work well for them. In the Group Activity, learners make their own personalized Zones Toolbox to support them in organizing and using regulation tools.
By discussing and practicing regulation tools together, it will become common practice for everyone to use tools, thereby fostering the Zones Climate. This provides everyone a chance to grow in their regulation competencies, honors learners’ unique regulation needs (e.g., neurology, lived experiences, development), and creates an inclusive environment where regulating with tools is the norm, not the exception. Helpful Tool Tips are provided in Module C: What are The Zones of Regulation? or Chapter 2 of Getting Into The Zones of Regulation to further support your instruction.
Tool of the Week: In addition to the tools featured in this concept, there is a Tool of the Week section within the Digital Curriculum platform that contains a variety of regulation strategies to choose from, including:
- Sensory and movement tools
- Mind and body tools
- Connection and relationship tools
- Thinking and planning tools
Note: Within the Core Lesson, you will be prompted to evaluate whether your learners have enough knowledge of regulation tools to create their custom Zones Toolbox in the Group Activity OR if you need to pause Concept 8 instruction and focus on teaching a series of Tool of the Weeks to learn more. Regardless of which path you take we ask you to incorporate the Tool of the Week practice as part of your daily routine (~5 mins) to support learners in gaining confidence in and continuing to expand on their regulation strategies.
Learning Targets
- I can reflect on how a tool helps me regulate.
- I can share a helpful tool from each Zone in my toolbox.
Vocabulary
Reflect: To carefully think about something.
Key Climate Practice
Post or place learners’ individualized Zones Toolboxes in an accessible location they frequently access (i.e. on desk, assignment book, refrigerator, locker) for quick reference.
- Hands On: Collect and share regulation tools commonly used in your setting such as fidgets, headphones, water bottles, etc., that learners identified in the C7 Group Activity: Tools All Around Us and review them prior to instruction; refer to them when learners create their own Zones Toolbox (Group Activity).
- Vocabulary: Pair new terms with alternate synonyms/expressions to develop familiarity. Reflect: think about, wonder, notice.
- Pare it Down: Skip the Digital Activity: Regulation in Action, if needed.
- Activity Exchange: Use the Alternative Activity, acting out idioms (see Concept Guide) in place of the Hook: Decoding the Signals.
- Customize: When creating a Zones Toolbox (Group Activity) use your observations of tools you notice working well for a learner, pre-assemble toolboxes and/or color-code tools to support learners as a modification. You may start with just one tool per Zone. Consider replacing tool icons with photos.
Books to Support Early Learning
B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustration Feelings
by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd
- Have you used one of the regulation tools shown in this book?
- What is a tool you’d like to try?
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor, Pictures by Michelle Polizzi
- How can your breath help you regulate?
- When are some good times to try a magic breath?
Too Much! An Overwhelming Day
by Jolene Gutiérrez, Illustrated by Angel Chang
- What was one of Lilly’s impulses?
- How did following her impulse work out for Lilly?
Some learners will need more co-regulation support, such as modeling accessible tools, practicing tools together, and providing positive reinforcement for attempting tools as a starting point. As learners build confidence and familiarity with tools, you can gradually decrease your cuing and assistance, as well as introduce a wider variety of tools.
It is critical to provide a safe climate for your learners to practice regulation strategies. Follow your learners’ leads in choosing tools; they have some great ideas. Depending on their comfort level in the larger group, consider providing an alternative method or private location/time for learners to practice or discuss a particular tool. For example, some learners may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable with closing their eyes for visualization tools. Allow learners to rest their head with their eyes open or practice by themselves if they’re feeling unsafe.
There are social norms deeply embedded into how we think about and regulate our feelings. Incorporate choice and learners’ preferences, emphasizing that tools are not “one size fits all.” They will feel and work differently for each of us.
- C8 Group Activity:
- Zones Tools Reflection (one per learner—several options available within C8 Zones Visuals)
- Zones Toolbox (one per learner—several options available within C8 Zones Visuals)
- Optional: Common Regulation Tool Icons, Tool of the Week Icon visuals
- C8 Check for Learning (one per learner)
- C8 Bridge (one per learner) Spanish Version
- Geared Activity of choice (quantity will vary)
Self-Awareness
Self-Management
Social Awareness
Responsible Decision Making
Relationship Skills
Pacing Suggestions
For 20-30 Minute Sessions
DAY 1
C8 Introduction
- Learning Targets & Key Vocabulary
- Hook: Decoding the Signals
C8 Core Lesson
- Tuning in to our Signals
- Videos: Tools and Signals
- Digital Activity: Regulation in Action
- Tools of the Week
DAY 2
- Creating Your Zones Toolbox
- Digital Activity: How Do I Know if a Tool Belongs in My Toolbox?
- Group Activity: Build Your Zones Toolbox
DAY 3
C8 Geared Activity
C8 Wrap Up
- Review & Check for Learning
- Keep it Real!
Presentation Guide
Interactive Presentation
Geared Activities
Gear 1
Gear 2
Gear 3
Types of Tools
Interview Others
Zones Visuals
Extend Learning
Additional Zones Climate Practices
Teachable moments: Provide positive feedback when you notice learners using regulation tools or strategies. For example:
- I saw you pause and then walk away during (situation). Did walking away help? That might be a good tool for the future.
- I’ve noticed how you sit down in the hall when we are transitioning. Maybe this is a regulation tool you are using to help you care for your Yellow Zone. What do you think?
Make it visual: Consider stapling or adding learners individualized Zones Toolboxes into a folder with their Me in My Zones Booklet from Concept 4, since they are both key resources that can be referenced and added to over time.
Provide assurance: Remind learners that even if they practice a particular tool, it can take time to use it to regulate in the moment.
Literature link: Look for moments in fiction or biographical non-fiction when a character/ person uses a regulation tool. Name the tool, notice their feelings before and after using it, and if/how it worked for that person. Consider having learners write notes or letters to a character suggesting a regulation tool to try, and why it might help.
Tool tickets: Use Tool Tickets to acknowledge and celebrate learners’ attempts to use regulation tools in your setting. Collaborate with others in learners’ lives to reinforce tool use in other settings, such as school, home, or community.
Regulation station: A regulation station (or comfort corner) is a neutral space where learners can access and practice regulation tools. For guidance, refer to Module D: The Zones Climate or Chapter 3 of Getting Into The Zones of Regulation.
Bridging The Zones
Share the Concept 8 Bridge AND copies of learners’ individual Zones Toolboxes with families, caregivers, and other team members. Encourage all team members to support learners in finding regulation tools that work well within their setting.
More Zones Resources
Tools to Try Cards for Kids (ages 5-10) and Tools to Try for Teens and Tweens (ages 10+): Each set includes over 50 4”× 6” tool cards. These two separate decks are an easy, user-friendly way to introduce regulation strategies and empower learners to discover new tools for their Zones Toolbox. These cards can complement the regulation tools found in the Tool of the Week section.
For more information: socialthinking.com/Products/zones-of-regulationtools-to-try-cards-for-all-ages-bundle.