The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum geared toward helping social emotional learners gain skills in consciously regulating their actions, which in turn leads to increased control and problem solving abilities. Using a cognitive behavior approach, the curriculum’s learning activities are designed to help students recognize when they are in different states called “zones,” with each of four zones represented by a different color. In the activities, students also learn how to use strategies or tools to stay in a zone or move from one to another. Individuals explore calming techniques, cognitive strategies, and sensory supports so they will have a toolbox of methods to use to move between zones.
All of the zones are natural to experience, but the framework focuses on teaching social learners how to recognize and manage their zone based on the demands of their environment and the people around them. Learn more in the article, All the Zones are OK! Tips for Managing the Zones You’re In.
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Evidence-Based Concepts for The Zones of RegulationSocial Emotional Learning; Self-Regulation; Skills; Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); Visual Supports; Self-Awareness; Social Problem Solving; Perspective Taking; ASD; Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS); Multicomponent Approach
For additional information about evidence and support for The Zones curriculum, please refer to The Zones of Regulation Website.
Öhlböck, E., Stinson, M., McClintock, K., & Turtle, B. (2024). Evaluating the effectiveness of key components of Zones of Regulation™ curriculum training on teachers' self‐efficacy at managing self‐regulation needs in autistic pupils. British Journal of Special Education, 51(1), 111-122.
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