Get ready for some exciting news, parents! Scientists have discovered amazing Zones of Regulation activities that can help your kids become self-regulation superheroes. These groundbreaking strategies are like secret powers that can fit into even the busiest of days. By learning these fun and easy techniques, your children will be able to handle big feelings and challenges like never before!
Table of Contents
1. Emotion Regulation Apps
Picture your kids and technology, quite the inseparable duo, don’t you agree? Thankfully, self-regulation apps like Mood Tuner are specially designed to support kids with their emotional regulation. Mood Tuner helps your kid regulate their emotions using Zones of Regulation activities and actionable steps to take when they’re feeling those big moods. If they’re still feeling overloaded, you have options! Chill Zone is another great way to help them calm down, de-stress, and regulate their feelings.
"It has been a HUGE game changer!! Our little guy is independent during his morning and bedtime routines! No more nagging or crying (from any of us). I have already been recommending it to friends!" — Goally Mom Learn more →
2. Feelings Sort
Likewise, ‘Feelings Sort’ is another excellent method to get kids thinking and learning about emotions. You can download or create flashcards with diverse facial expressions. Mix them up and let your kids sort them into the color-coded zones. Moreover, this is an excellent activity for fostering empathy and understanding of others’ emotions, too.
3. Emotion Meter
Next on our list is the mighty Emotion Meter. Craft a simple slider with a color gradient from cool blue to blazing red. The critical point here, however, is to let them adjust the slider based on their current mood or emotion. It might seem like a drop in the ocean, but trust us, it makes a big difference.
Read more: Zones of Regulation
4. Zones of Regulation Bingo
Nothing like a good game of Bingo, right? Incorporating this into the zones of regulation activities not only makes learning enjoyable but also aids in establishing the connection between different zones. For instance, get printables or create cards with scenarios mapped to emotions and let the game begin. Above all, it’s Bingo with a dash of feeling-mastery.
5. Color Coding Emotions
Have you ever thought, “I wish this kid could at least scribble how they’re feeling!”? That’s the first taste of our zones of regulation activities. Color coding is the heart of this framework, mapping feelings to colors – blue for low states like tired or bored, green for feeling hunky-dory, yellow for some agitation, and red for those high-intensity emotions.
For example, both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids can scribble or color based on what they’re feeling. That is to say, turn the abstract into tangible artwork. This process, in turn, aids in identifying and labeling their emotions.
Goally | Kid’s Tablet for Building Emotional Regulation Skills
Is your child struggling with understanding and managing their emotions? Goally teaches emotional regulation skills in a fun and interactive way!
The Mood Tuner app encourages kids to look inwards and identify their feelings, helping them understand what’s going on inside. Once they’ve recognized their emotions, they can choose from a variety of exercises designed to help them self-regulate and find their balance.
In conclusion, bear in mind that the path to self-regulation isn’t always a bed of roses. There may be moments when sadness overpowers joy, or excitement exceeds its limit. However, these activities are designed to make this path smoother and more enjoyable for your children. It’s all about deciphering their emotional zones, and assisting them in the exploration, as well as the enjoyment, of their emotions. It’s a vital part of our wondrous world designed to cater to children of all abilities.
FAQs About Zones of Regulation Activities
What are zones of regulation activities? Zones of regulation activities involve exercises that help kids identify, address, and manage their own emotions effectively, using color-coded zones to map feelings. How can zones of regulation activities benefit my neurodivergent child? These activities aid in understanding and managing emotions, encouraging self-regulation, empathy, and equipping your child with vital coping skills. Can neurotypical kids also benefit from zones of regulation activities? Absolutely! These activities can help any child understand, navigate and express their emotions effectively. What kinds of activities can be included in zones of regulation? Activities can range from color-coding emotions to interactive games like Bingo, emotional meter, and leveraging emotional regulation apps. Are there technology tools that support zones of regulation activities? Yes, self-regulation apps like Goally offer features that support zones of regulation activities such as visual schedules and motivating rewards.
This post was originally published on 08/09/2023. It was updated on 05/08/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
