The Zones Pathway
In Concept 10 (C10), we synthesize and apply all the concepts we’ve learned into a metacognitive sequence for regulation which we call The Zones Pathway—one of four Signature Practices of The Zones of Regulation framework. The Zones Pathway consists of five concrete steps that walk us through situational awareness, self-awareness, decision-making, regulation strategies, and reflecting on outcomes, to help us regulate with agency. We ask ourselves if our regulation is working well for us, are we coping with stressors, meeting our goals, feeling more comfortable, meeting our task demands; all of which give us a sense of well-being. If we are not meeting our goals, we discuss how we can revisit the Zones Pathway or try a different option next time. The Zones Pathway provides a consistent, systematic process for learners and their co-regulators to follow while also allowing for all the natural variables in life. The combination of triggers, context, climate, feelings, Zones, and tools will differ, but the five pathway steps remain the same. The Zones Pathway can be used to reflect on situations in the past where our regulation did or did not work well for us, to plan for regulation in the future, as well as to bridge or scaffold regulation into real-time situations.
For further information on the Zones Pathway, see Module C: What is The Zones of Regulation? or Chapter 2 of Getting Into The Zones of Regulation.
Learning Targets
- I can use the Zones Pathway in real-time situations.
- Using the Zones Pathway, I can reflect on how my regulation is working for me.
Vocabulary
Zones Pathway: Five steps we can follow to help us regulate.
Outcome: The result of something.
Key Climate Practice
Post Zones Pathway visuals. Refer to them as you co-regulate with learners through the steps, supporting them in regulating in real-time situations.
- NOTE: Like Concept 9, The Zones of Regulation Pathway introduced in this concept utilizes a metacognitive strategy or sequence that may be less accessible for early/emergent learners due to their stage of regulation development. Make sure to thoroughly preview all concept materials to determine how best to tailor learning.
- Modify: Use the Zones Pathway as a co-regulation tool to guide learners through the process of regulation.
- Vocabulary: Pair new terms with alternate synonyms/expressions to develop familiarity. Outcome: ending, answer, finish, what happens after.
- Pare it Down: Skip slide titled Revisiting the Zones Pathway, The Zones Pathway in Action (sequence with Riya’s scenario), and the final Pair & Share, if needed.
- Simplify: Begin by focusing just on pathway steps 2 (identifying your Zone) and 4 (using a tool) to support sequencing self-awareness with regulation strategies. Create simple learning stories that identify a Zone and a regulation tool, such as: When I’m in the (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) Zone, I can (use a regulation tool). See the Zones Visual: Tools for Each of My Zones for additional visual support.
- Activity Exchange: Use the Gear 1 Activity: Moving Through The Zones Pathway in place of the Group Activity: Personal Pathway.
Books to Support Early Learning
Zara’s Big Messy Day (That Turned Out Okay)
by Rebekah Borucki and Danielle Piol
- What was one of Zara’s triggers? What Zone was she in?
- What tool did Zara try? How did it help?
The Most Magnificent Thing
by Ashley Spires
- What Zone(s) was the girl in as she tried to build her magnificent thing?
- What tool did she try? How did it help?
Find real-time success going through the Zones Pathway with learners when they are in the Green, Blue, and Yellow Zone before encouraging them to try the pathway in the Red Zone. Provide positive reinforcement as learners use the Zones Pathway and acknowledge their regulation efforts, even if the outcomes didn’t work out well for them. You can use the Tool Tickets found in the Tool of the Week section to reinforce using regulation tools across settings.
To help learners gain confidence and efficacy, first practice using the Zones Pathway steps in a comfortable space with trusted adults. For example, if a learner feels most emotionally safe with a school counselor, practice a pathway sequence within the counselor’s space before applying it more broadly.
The Zones Pathway is a process that is best taught through scenario-based learning. Consider integrating relevant and meaningful scenarios throughout instruction to help learners bridge and apply this strategy to their own lives. Discuss how perception of outcomes may differ depending on culture and lived experiences.
- C10 Group Activity:
- Personal Pathway (one per learner)
- Optional: Scissors, stapler, string, pipe cleaner with bead; objects to move through pathway steps such as a mini figure, learning cube, poker chip/marker
- C10 Check for Learning (one per learner)
- C10 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
C10 Introduction
- Learning Targets & Key Vocabulary
- Hook: Jungle Adventure
C10 Core Lesson
- Destination Regulation
- Video: The Zones Pathway
- Digital Activity: Order the Pathway Steps
- Reflecting on Outcomes
- The Zones Pathway in Action
DAY 2
- Your Turn to Try the Zones Pathway
- Group Activity: Personal Pathway Practices
DAY 3
C10 Geared Activity
C10 Wrap Up
- Review & Check for Learning
- Keep it Real!
Presentation Guide
Interactive Presentation
Group Activity
Check for Learning
Bridge
Spanish Version
Geared Activities
Gear 1
Gear 2
Gear 3
Advice Column
Journaling Through the Pathway
Zones Visuals
Extend Learning
Additional Zones Climate Practices
Model it: As you navigate various situations throughout the week, discuss how you move through steps of the Zones Pathway. Be sure to include neutral situations, such as deciding to regulate your Green Zone with or without a tool, as well as during situations that trigger or spark.
Reflect: Discuss the outcomes of regulation using the Zones Pathway Discussion or one of the reflective Geared Activities from C10, considering how it helped learners meet their goals and have a sense of well-being. Make sure to reflect with learners on their regulation and use of the Zones Pathway when they were successful and do not over focus on times when they were not.
Provide assurance: Remind learners that even though the Zones Pathway gives a process to follow to regulate, we won’t always have “optimal” regulation. Sometimes we revisit the pathway, other times we learn from our experiences and try to regulate differently next time.
Literature Link: Have learners identify how a character regulated (or didn’t regulate) through a situation using the steps of the Zones Pathway. If doing a read aloud, refer to a Zones Pathway visual as you pause and prompt learners to identify each step along with a character.
Bridging The Zones
Share the Concept 10 Bridge with families, caregivers, and other team members. Encourage team members to post and use the Zones Pathway within their setting.
More Zones Resources
The Zones Pathway Poster: A synthesis of the concepts taught in The Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum, this poster provides a visual sequence of five steps to follow to regulate. This poster helps to reinforce learning, as well as apply learning in the moment for learners to self-regulate or co-regulate with a trusted adult. (Ages 5+.)
For more information: socialthinking.com/Products/zones-of-regulation-poster-set