What is a Regulation Tool?
The goal of Concept 7 (C7) is to introduce the learners to what regulation tools are and how those tools can help to regulate each Zone. Learners will discover that regulation tools are likely within and around them, such as taking a deep breath, asking for help, water bottles, fidgets, etc. An essential element of The Zones Climate is building awareness that tools look and feel different for each of us, depending on our physiology, culture, identity, and lived experience; there are no prescribed tools for a particular Zone. It’s important to carefully observe, name, and model the tools you and your learners are already using. Learners use The Zones of Regulation to categorize tools into a Zones Toolbox. In the Group Activity, you and your learners will build a Community Zones Toolbox of common regulation tools within your setting. (Learners will build a personal regulation toolbox in C8.)
Note: Before beginning this concept, review Module C: What is The Zones of Regulation? or Chapter 2 in Geting Into The Zones of Regulation for guidance on regulation tools and how they relate to The Zones.
Teaching Tips:
- Point out that many regulation tools can work within more than one Zone.
- If a learner identifies a tool that you think is questionable or not appropriate, you can revisit the idea of what makes a good tool rather than discounting their choice. Also, keep in mind that some tools may not be an option for your setting. For example, if a learner says their video game is a tool for their Yellow Zone, it is probably not an option for school, but may be an option for home.
Learning Targets
- I can identify common regulation tools around me.
- I can use The Zones of Regulation to categorize regulation tools.
Vocabulary
Regulation Tool: A strategy, or something we do, to manage our Zones.
Zones Toolbox: A collection of regulation tools for each Zone.
Key Climate Practice
Create and post a Community Zones Toolbox with familiar regulation tools.
- Hands On: For the Hook activity, bring in a variety of tools used in and outside of your setting, such as a hammer (building), whisk (cooking), pencil (writing).
- Vocabulary: Pair new terms with alternate synonyms/expressions to develop familiarity. Regulation Tools: calming tools, coping tools, things that make you feel better, strategies. Zones Toolbox: tool collection, tool choices, tool list, tool menu. Use shortened versions of vocabulary words for simplicity: “tool” and “toolbox.”
- Pare it Down: Skip slides titled Brain-Body Connection and Zones Toolbox Review, if needed.
- Break it Up: After viewing the Video: Connecting Tools with The Zones, take additional time to explore one colored toolbox at a time. Consider exploring one Toolbox per session/day, adding tools to your Community Toolbox (Group Activity) one Zone at a time.
- Activity Exchange:
- Use the Alternative Activity suggestion: Four Corners in place of the Digital Activity: Sort the Tools (See Presentation Guide).
- Instead of the Group Activity: Tools All Around Us, present a pre-made Zones Community Toolbox with real pictures of common/familiar regulation tools. Move around the room to find and practice each one. Consider using Velcro to support communication and choice-making.
Books to Support Early Learning
Allie All Along
by Sarah Lynne Reul
- What Zone was Allie in?
- Which regulation tool seemed to help Allie the most?
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
- What Zone was Richard in?
- How does the rabbit help Richard?
Some learners will need more co-regulation support and modeling to understand the concept of regulation tools. Consider creating simple learning stories with familiar visuals that show a common situation, Zone, and tool that you use in your setting. For example: Sometimes I miss home. I feel sad in the Blue Zone. I hug my stuffed animal to help me care for my Blue Zone.
Learners who have difficulty identifying uncomfortable feelings may, in turn, have difficulty thinking about tools to regulate them. Spend time helping them become comfortable with checking in with all of The Zones before focusing on regulation tools. Learning can happen without forcing learners’ participation, and they will continue to benefit from the climate that normalizes regulation.
There will be varying comfort levels with different types of tools, informed by our lived experience, culture, and our unique brains and bodies. Be aware that bias might be a factor when discussing tools. For example, there may be gender norms and expectations around the use of certain tools, such as punching bagsor stuffed animals.
- C7 Group Activity:
- Tools All Around Us (one per learner)
- Scissors
- Optional: Community Zones Toolbox (one per whole group) Spanish Version
- Optional: Common Regulation Tool Icons (one per whole group)
- C7 Check for Learning (one per learner)
- C7 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
C7 Introduction
- Learning Targets & Key Vocabulary
- Hook: Act it Out
C7 Core Lesson
- Regulation Tools
- Regulation Tools Around Us and Within Us
- Video: Connecting Tools with The Zones
- Red Zone Power Tools
DAY 2
- Digital Game: Zones Toolbox Review
- Digital Activity: Sort the Tools
- Group Activity: My Triggers and Sparks
DAY 3
C7 Geared Activity
C7 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
Calling on Connections
Role Models Regulate Presentation
Zones Visuals
Extend Learning
Additional Zones Climate Practices
Make it visual:
- Post the community Zones Toolbox in a place where learners can easily view and access it. Consider using the Common Regulation Tool Icons as an additional support.
- Laminating the tool icons and adding hook and loop fasteners to attach them to the Toolbox makes it accessible for learners to choose and share their tool with others.
Model it: Model your own use of regulation tools by narrating what you are doing. For example, I’m feeling kind of stressed in the Yellow Zone. I’m going to take a deep breath, which is one of my Yellow Zone tools.
Teachable moments:
- As you notice learners gravitating toward certain regulation tools, discuss and name the strategies with them. If there are new tools, consider adding them to the Community Zones Toolbox.
- Identify regulation tools in-the-moment. For example, if a learner is using a fidget or sensory item, you can say, It looks like you’re using this fidget as a tool to help you regulate your Zone. This provides co-regulation support for learners in understanding what regulation tools are and how they work.
Provide assurance: Normalize the individual choice of tools in your setting by pointing out and affirming that different people use different tools. This helps to build an inclusive climate where learners tolerate and even appreciate others for regulating in the way that works best for them.
Reflect: Discuss community tools that are already a part of your daily routine, such as having quiet time after recess, doing a fun GoNoodle video to get the wiggles out, or reading in bed before going to sleep. These regulation tools can also be added to your Community Toolbox.
Bridging The Zones
Share the Concept 7 Bridge with families, caregivers, and other team members.
More Zones Resources
The Zones of Regulation dry-erase poster: A visual to reinforce the four Zones and the common feelings associated with each, as well as space to add strategies or tools to support regulation of each Zone. (Ages 5+.)
For more information: socialthinking.com/products/ zones-of-regulation-poster