Teaching kids self-regulation is a powerful way to help them handle big emotions and challenging situations. Zones of Regulation activities make learning these skills engaging and effective.
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Key Takeaways:
- Self-regulation apps like Mood Tuner offer step-by-step emotional guidance.
- Activities like Feelings Sort and Emotion Meter help kids recognize and label emotions.
- Fun tools like Zones Bingo and color-coding emotions turn abstract feelings into tangible learning.
1. Emotion Regulation Apps
Children and technology often go hand-in-hand, and self-regulation apps like Mood Tuner are excellent tools to harness that connection for learning. Designed to support emotional regulation, Mood Tuner uses Zones of Regulation activities and provides actionable steps for kids to manage their emotions effectively. For moments when emotions still feel overwhelming, apps like Chill Zone offer additional resources to help kids calm down, de-stress, and regain control of their feelings. These tools are tailored to foster emotional growth and resilience in a structured, engaging way.
Read more: What are the Zones of Regulation?
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: Model Train Videos
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.
Remember, self-regulation is a journey, not a quick fix. There will be times when sadness feels overwhelming or excitement becomes too much. These activities are here to make the process easier and more engaging for your child, helping them understand and navigate their emotions. By supporting their emotional growth, you’re giving them tools to thrive in a world that values every child’s unique 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 12/11/2024.
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.
