Lesson Plan
Zone Quest: Session 1
By the end of this 30-minute lesson, students will identify the four Zones of Regulation and correctly classify common emotions into each Zone.
Introducing the Zones framework provides a shared language for emotions, fostering self-awareness and laying the foundation for self-regulation—critical skills for academic success and positive peer interactions.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials & Prepare Handouts
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Emotions & Zones
5 minutes
Step 2
Explore the Four Zones
10 minutes
Step 3
Zones Sorting Activity
5 minutes
Step 4
Emotion Pictionary Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down Reflection
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Zone Quest Session 1
What Is an Emotion?
Why Manage Our Emotions?
The Four Zones of Regulation
Blue Zone
Green Zone
Yellow Zone
Red Zone
Zones Sorting Activity
Emotion Pictionary Game
Cool Down & Exit Ticket
Script
Worksheet
Activity
Game
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Zone Quest: Session 2
By the end of this 30-minute lesson, students will match appropriate self-regulation strategies to each of the four Zones and practice applying these strategies collaboratively through station rotations and role-play scenarios.
Equipping students with concrete strategies for each Zone builds their emotional toolkit—boosting self-awareness, improving focus, and reducing out-of-control moments in the classroom and beyond.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Stations & Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Recap & Warm-Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Strategy Overview
5 minutes
Step 3
Strategy Stations
10 minutes
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down & Reflection
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Quick Recap: The Four Zones
Blue Zone Strategies
Green Zone Strategies
Yellow Zone Strategies
Red Zone Strategies
Strategy Stations
Role-Play Practice
Cool Down & Reflection
Script
Worksheet
Activity
Activity
Reading
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Zone Quest: Session 3
By the end of this 30-minute lesson, students will synthesize their understanding of the Zones, create personalized self-regulation plans, demonstrate mastery through real-world scenarios, and reflect on their growth.
This capstone session empowers students to own their emotional toolkit—building confidence, fostering peer support, and ensuring they can apply strategies beyond the classroom.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Capstone Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Recap & Goal Setting
5 minutes
Step 2
Personal Regulation Plan Creation
10 minutes
Step 3
Scenario Challenge Demonstrations
8 minutes
Step 4
Gallery Walk & Peer Feedback
5 minutes
Step 5
Final Reflection & Toolkit Review
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Zone Quest Session 3: Capstone
Session 3 Goals
Create Your Personal Regulation Plan
Scenario Challenge Demonstrations
Gallery Walk & Peer Feedback
Final Reflection & Toolkit Review
Script
Project Guide
Activity
Discussion
Worksheet
Reading
