By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Wednesday September 28, 2022
It is important for children to decide what Zone they would anticipate experiencing for a variety of scenarios.
Children should explore the concept that all of the Zones are expected under different circumstances, and it is ok to express all of them. Here are some scenarios to practice with your child to help them reflect on how different experiences affect the Zone they are in. Help them consider how internally they may be in a zone, but that externally they may have to manage behaviours to match the expected demands of the social environment.
"You experience a natural disaster (large earthquake, tornado, flood, hurricane."
"You broke your leg in PE class."
"You are playing tag on the playground with friends."
"You are listening to a teacher give instructions."
"You just woke up in the morning."
"You are home with nothing to do."
"You can't find your homework."
"You are playing with friends at a friend's house."
"You were told plans need to change."
"You are asked to stop or put away something you enjoy doing."
"You have been waiting for 30 minutes or more at a doctor's office."
"You are sitting with your family at the dinner table."
"Your pet is missing."
"You have the flu."
"You just ran as fast as you could in a race."
Another activity that could be done at home is while watching TV, movies or reading, reinforce the Zones by having your child notice a character's Zone and determine if it was controlled in a way that was expected or unexpected given the situation.
Also, if your child is really struggling with their emotions, you could also help them learn more about their own zones by videoing a segment of their day (if they are comfortable with this and looking at the footage afterwards.) Review the footage with your child and help them reflect on how they look and feel in that zone. You could also reinforce how OTHERS respond to them when they are in different Zones.
If you are concerned about your child's wellbeing, please contact your child's teacher or myself. We are here to support your child in any way we can.
Kristen Ferguson ([email protected])