The top five tools to help with self-regulation for our children/students:

• Our children need enough sleep to be “just right” and to help with self-regulation.  Please see the link for specific guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Supports-Childhood-Sleep-Guidelines.aspx
• Having morning and afternoons routines are important and can help with self-regulation. Please see the next link for ideas to help develop routines.
• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/The-Importance-of-Family-Routines.aspx
• No screens (electronics) 30-90 minutes before bedtime. Please see the below link if you would like more information.           
• https://sciencelife.uchospitals.edu/2016/02/17/electronic-devices-kids-and-sleep-how-screen-time-keeps-them-awake/
• Preferred physical activities such as Playing on the playground, bike riding, skating, walking, running, ball games, swimming, karate, Yoga, and organized sports.  This article discusses the importance of exercise. https://fit.webmd.com/kids/move/article/exercise-helps-body
• The following article discusses amount of exercise recommended for children.         https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/kids-and-exercise/faq-20058336

           

Your child/student is generally not in the Red Zone.  In the red zone the brain and the body is generally not talking to each other.  The child/student is out of control.  They often need to stop, but are unsure how.  Some examples of red zone feelings are mad, yelling, hitting, mean, or terrified. Red zone tools help us stay safe and calm down. Below are some examples of tools that students use in the Red Zone when they are in school.  Some of these tools may be helpful at home.

School Red Zone Tools:

Take a break (rest and return area)

Take 3-5 deep breaths

Count

Draw

Read

Drink water

Use a fidget

Shark Fin

Ask for help (Use your words)

Our next blog will focus on more Zone Tools (strategies) that can be used at home and in school. 

If you have any questions about the Zones Curriculum please contact Mrs. Perkus at Cutler School or at n.perkus@hwschools.net.