New Road Primary & Nursery School

^{Through our learning zones approach to behaviour we teach children the self-regulation skills they need to remain in the green zone of learning.}

Research shows that when children learn and practise self-regulation skills, they are forming pathways in their brains that increase their ability to manage stress now and in the future.

We recognise that school, family events and friendships can sometimes be an overwhelming experience for children, which can trigger strong emotions and cause children to react without thinking.

Some examples of the strategies we teach children include:

Mental breaks (e.g. reading a book, colouring, creativity, games)
Physical break (e.g. dance, walk, stretch)
Sensory experiences ( e.g. sound, taste, touch, movement)
Grounding activities (e.g. deep breathing, slow counting, yoga, meditation)
Social support (e.g. asking for help, talking through their actions with a member of staff and identifying how they can move forward with this emotion).

When a child is becoming distressed and overwhelmed, we always find the time to help where we can. In some instances, staff will ask children to use a strategy to help them feel calmer and happier.

Ultimately, we would like children to recognise when they are struggling, and quietly use a strategy that helps them.

In each classroom children have access to a ‘reflection folder’ below are some examples of the strategies children learn and use to remain or find their way back in to the green zone of learning.