Zones of Regulation
You may recognize the "Zones of Regulation" images pictured below as they are on display in many classrooms at QAE. "Zones" is a program that provides a framework for self-regulation and emotional control. It is one of the most well-thought-out and important tools I've learned to use with students in my teaching career and it fits in seamlessly with our school-wide Positive Discipline approach. It is simple enough to help our youngest begin to regulate, yet applicable and powerful for adults as well.
We began to explore the four zones with our students during our first months together but this week we dove in more deeply. We talked about the different feelings and emotions you may experience within each zone. Our kids became more connected after we shared experiences from our own lives and which zone we were in during those times. A big idea in this framework is to learn strategies to help our minds and bodies regulate back to the green zone. We talked about different strategies we have used at home or in our classrooms already and began to brainstorm new ideas we could try.
There are many fabulous and important lessons within this program and students will have the chance to learn and grow with them as they progress through each year at QAE. An example of this is in third grade when students try different multi sensory tools and rate how their body responds to each one helping them to discover which tools work for them: What calms them down? Ramps them up? Makes them feel irritated? A next step in our Kindergarten classrooms will be to start to recognize which zone we are in throughout our day. After identifying the zone, we may ask the question "Is it expected, or unexpected to be in this zone right now?" A big step is realizing what being in the "Green Zone" looks like, feels like, sounds like, etc. We'll also begin to identify which regulation strategies work best while in the different zones.
We encourage you to learn about this framework alongside us! It is a powerful tool for families. Stick a copy of the poster on your fridge and begin to notice and share when you are in different zones. Model your regulation strategies and help your child discover what works for them!
We began to explore the four zones with our students during our first months together but this week we dove in more deeply. We talked about the different feelings and emotions you may experience within each zone. Our kids became more connected after we shared experiences from our own lives and which zone we were in during those times. A big idea in this framework is to learn strategies to help our minds and bodies regulate back to the green zone. We talked about different strategies we have used at home or in our classrooms already and began to brainstorm new ideas we could try.
There are many fabulous and important lessons within this program and students will have the chance to learn and grow with them as they progress through each year at QAE. An example of this is in third grade when students try different multi sensory tools and rate how their body responds to each one helping them to discover which tools work for them: What calms them down? Ramps them up? Makes them feel irritated? A next step in our Kindergarten classrooms will be to start to recognize which zone we are in throughout our day. After identifying the zone, we may ask the question "Is it expected, or unexpected to be in this zone right now?" A big step is realizing what being in the "Green Zone" looks like, feels like, sounds like, etc. We'll also begin to identify which regulation strategies work best while in the different zones.
We encourage you to learn about this framework alongside us! It is a powerful tool for families. Stick a copy of the poster on your fridge and begin to notice and share when you are in different zones. Model your regulation strategies and help your child discover what works for them!
Upcoming Author Visit!On Thursday, January 25, we have the honor of having author Charles Waters visit our school! Charles and co-author Irene Latham's book Can I Touch Your Hair? is a collection of poetry that reads like a story. It tells the story of "Charles" and "Irene," students of different races, who are paired together for a school project. It explores the themes of race, mistakes, and friendship." We chose a few poems to read together in class and though the book may be most accessible to older students, it is a great book to add to your home collection and holds great opportunity to discuss the poems as a family. *Home Opportunity: All QAE students are called as poets and artists to create work for our author visit! We invite you to explore the themes of race, mistakes, and friendship with your kindergarten student and to create simple poetry or a piece of art inspired by these theme. Reading books or talking about your own or shared experiences can be a great place to start a conversation and get the creative juices flowing. All work will be showcased in the cafeteria (and one poem will be chosen to be published (see the flyer to the left for details!). *Submissions are due to your classroom teacher by Tuesday, January 23 We would love to have Kindergarten voices represented and encourage you to participate! Please do let us know if we can help spark ideas around these themes. |
Science Update:
After a delayed shipment, a whole lot of waiting, and answering nearly a thousand anxious questions with "We really don't know when the fish will arrive!," the fish arrived on Thursday :) The big idea this week was to learn about goldfish behavior through careful observation. We then watched how their behavior changed with the addition of the aquatic plant, Elodea, and FISH TUNNELS! Check out the photos above from Ms. Ward's classroom to see the tiny scientists deep in observation. There are a few samples of writing to look at ,too. Science writing is a big focus of our work and students will have lots of writing and scientific drawing pieces to share with you soon!