Lesson Plan
Zone Strategy Superheroes
Students will identify and select at least 3 calming/alerting strategies for each Zone of Regulation (Green, Yellow, Red, Blue) that they can use, with support as needed, to manage their emotions effectively.
Understanding and applying strategies for each Zone of Regulation is vital for students to develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills. This empowers them to manage their emotions and behaviors, leading to greater independence and successful participation in various environments.
Audience
2nd-5th Grade Students with ASD (minimally verbal to non-verbal with AAC)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, guided practice, and a game to reinforce strategy selection.
Materials
Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck, Zone Strategy Cards, My Zone Strategies Worksheet, and Zone Challenge Game
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck and customize as needed.
- Print and cut out the Zone Strategy Cards. Consider laminating for durability.
- Prepare copies of the My Zone Strategies Worksheet for each student.
- Set up the Zone Challenge Game materials, ensuring all cards are ready.
- Ensure AAC devices are charged and programmed with relevant vocabulary for Zones of Regulation and strategy choices, if applicable.
- Arrange the classroom for small group instruction, minimizing distractions and providing adequate space for individual and group work.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Checking In
3 minutes
- Greet students and ask them to use their AAC devices or point to the current Zone they are in.
- Briefly discuss one strategy they might use if they are not in the Green Zone.
Step 2
Introduction to Zones and Strategies
7 minutes
- Present the Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck (Slides 1-3).
- Review each Zone (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) and briefly discuss what each Zone feels like.
- Introduce the idea of 'strategy superheroes' – tools we use to get back to or stay in the Green Zone.
- Show examples of different strategies (e.g., deep breaths, taking a break, listening to music) using visuals on the slide deck or strategy cards.
Step 3
Strategy Exploration & Selection
10 minutes
- Using the Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck (Slides 4-7) and Zone Strategy Cards, guide students through each Zone.
- For each Zone, discuss specific strategies that are helpful. Present various options visually and verbally.
- Encourage students to choose 3 strategies for each Zone that they think would work for them.
- Provide sentence starters or visual supports for students to communicate their choices (e.g., "When I am in the Blue Zone, I can _____").
- Support AAC users in navigating their devices to express choices.
- Help students record their chosen strategies on their My Zone Strategies Worksheet. Offer pre-written options or picture choices for non-writers.
Step 4
Zone Challenge Game
7 minutes
- Play the Zone Challenge Game. Explain the rules clearly using visuals.
- Students take turns drawing a 'Zone Card' and then selecting a 'Strategy Card' that would help them in that Zone.
- Reinforce correct matches and provide gentle redirection/support for incorrect ones.
- This activity helps reinforce the connection between Zones and strategies in a fun, interactive way.
Step 5
Cool-Down: My Strategy Pledge
3 minutes
- Have students share one strategy they learned or chose today that they are excited to try.
- Briefly review the completed My Zone Strategies Worksheet.
- End with a positive affirmation about being a 'Zone Strategy Superhero'.
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Slide Deck
Welcome, Zone Strategy Superheroes!
How are you feeling today?
- We all have different feelings.
- Our feelings can change throughout the day.
- Learning about our Zones helps us understand our feelings!
Welcome students. Ask them about their current zone using AAC or pointing. Connect to the idea that we all experience different feelings throughout the day. Consider adding a fun superhero image to this slide!
The Zones of Regulation
Let's remember our Zones!
- Blue Zone: Sad, tired, sick, bored
- Green Zone: Happy, calm, focused, ready to learn
- Yellow Zone: Frustrated, worried, silly, excited (a little out of control)
- Red Zone: Angry, terrified, out of control
Review each Zone quickly. Focus on the colors and the general feeling associated with each. Use simple language and visuals. Emphasize that no Zone is "bad."
Our Strategy Superpowers!
What are strategies?
- Strategies are tools that help us.
- They help us feel calm and ready to learn.
- We can choose 3 strategies for each Zone!
Introduce the idea of strategies as tools. Explain that just like superheroes have tools, we have tools (strategies) to help us with our feelings. Explain that for each Zone, we want to choose 3 strategies. Add a visual of a superhero toolbox or power-up items.
Blue Zone Strategies
When you're in the Blue Zone...
- Feeling sad, tired, or bored?
- What helps you feel better or more awake?
Choose 3 strategies (use visuals for each!):
- Take deep breaths
- Listen to calm music
- Ask for a hug
- Get a drink of water
- Do a quiet activity
Focus on the Blue Zone. Present a few visual examples of strategies. Ask students to pick 3 they like. Guide AAC users to select. (Use physical strategy cards here as well.) Encourage pointing to visuals for each strategy option.
Green Zone Strategies
When you're in the Green Zone...
- Feeling happy, calm, focused?
- What helps you stay in the Green Zone?
Choose 3 strategies (use visuals for each!):
- Listen to the teacher
- Work quietly
- Take a brain break
- Help a friend
- Stretch your body
Focus on the Green Zone. Reinforce that we want to stay in the Green Zone. What helps us stay focused and happy? (Use physical strategy cards here as well.) Encourage pointing to visuals for each strategy option.
Yellow Zone Strategies
When you're in the Yellow Zone...
- Feeling frustrated, worried, or silly?
- What helps you calm down a little?
Choose 3 strategies (use visuals for each!):
- Take a sensory break
- Count to ten
- Squeeze a stress ball
- Talk to an adult
- Go for a walk
Focus on the Yellow Zone. Explain that these feelings are a step up. What can we do when we feel a little wiggly or frustrated? (Use physical strategy cards here as well.) Encourage pointing to visuals for each strategy option.
Red Zone Strategies
When you're in the Red Zone...
- Feeling angry, terrified, or out of control?
- What helps you get safe and calm?
Choose 3 strategies (use visuals for each!):
- Find a safe space
- Ask for help
- Deep pressure (hug or weighted blanket)
- Use a visual timer for a break
- Stomp your feet (safely)
Focus on the Red Zone. Emphasize that these are big feelings and we need strong tools. What helps when we feel really angry or out of control? (Use physical strategy cards here as well.) Encourage pointing to visuals for each strategy option.
Time for the Zone Challenge Game!
Let's play a game!
- We will pick a Zone card.
- Then we will pick a strategy card that helps us in that Zone.
- Practice makes us Zone Strategy Superheroes!
Explain the game. Reiterate that practice helps us become better at choosing strategies. Prepare for the game activity.
You are Zone Strategy Superheroes!
Great job today!
- You learned about your Zones.
- You chose your own strategies.
- You are ready to be a Zone Strategy Superhero!
- What is one strategy you want to try?
Review the worksheet and ask students to share one strategy they found helpful. End with a positive message.
Script
Zone Strategy Script
Warm-Up: Checking In (3 minutes)
Teacher: "Hello everyone! Welcome to our Zones lesson today. Let's start by checking in. What Zone are you in right now? You can point to the color on the board, use your AAC device, or tell me."
(Pause for student responses, providing support for AAC users or visual cues. Acknowledge each student's Zone.)
Teacher: "Great job checking in! If you're not in the Green Zone right now, can you think of one thing that might help you get to Green, or stay there?"
(Allow for responses. Guide students to think about simple strategies like a deep breath or a quiet moment.)
Introduction to Zones and Strategies (7 minutes)
Teacher: (Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 1)
"Today, we are going to become Zone Strategy Superheroes! We all have feelings, right? Sometimes we feel happy, sometimes we feel tired, sometimes we feel super excited! Our feelings change, and that's okay. The Zones of Regulation help us understand our feelings."
Teacher: (Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 2)
"Let's remember our Zones. Who can remind us what the Blue Zone feels like?"
(Guide students to recall feelings like sad, tired, sick, bored. Repeat for Green, Yellow, and Red Zones, giving simple descriptions and allowing student input, especially from AAC users.)
Teacher: "You've got it! Now, what are strategies? (Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 3) Strategies are like tools that superheroes use. They help us when our feelings are big or when we need to calm down or get focused. We are going to choose 3 strategies for each Zone today that you can use!"
Strategy Exploration & Selection (10 minutes)
Teacher: (Hold up Blue Zone card/visual. Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 4)
"Let's start with the Blue Zone. When you're in the Blue Zone, you might feel sad, tired, or bored. What are some things that can help you feel better or more awake?"
(Show several Zone Strategy Cards that fit the Blue Zone, e.g., 'Deep Breaths', 'Listen to Music', 'Get a Drink of Water'.)
Teacher: "Look at these superhero tools! Which 3 strategies do you think would help you when you are in the Blue Zone? You can point, use your AAC, or tell me. Let's circle them on our My Zone Strategies Worksheet."
(Assist students in selecting and circling 3 strategies for the Blue Zone on their worksheets. For non-verbal students, provide pre-printed strategy pictures they can point to or use a dauber/sticker to select.)
Teacher: (Repeat this process for the Green, Yellow, and Red Zones, using the corresponding slides (5-7) from the Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck and relevant Zone Strategy Cards. Ensure each student selects and circles 3 strategies for each Zone on their worksheet.)
Zone Challenge Game (7 minutes)
Teacher: (Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 8)
"Now it's time to play the Zone Challenge Game! (Show the Zone Challenge Game setup). Here's how we play: You will pick a Zone card, and then you'll pick a Strategy card that helps you in that Zone! This helps us practice being Zone Strategy Superheroes!"
(Explain the game rules clearly, using visuals. Facilitate the game, providing support and positive reinforcement. Ensure all students get a chance to participate.)
Cool-Down: My Strategy Pledge (3 minutes)
Teacher: (Display Zone Strategy Superheroes Slide Deck - Slide 9)
"Wow, what amazing Zone Strategy Superheroes you all are! You did a fantastic job choosing your own strategies today. Look at your My Zone Strategies Worksheet. Can you share one strategy you chose that you are excited to try?"
(Allow each student to share one strategy. Provide praise and encouragement.)
Teacher: "Remember, you have these awesome strategies to help you with your feelings. Keep practicing, and you'll be Zone Strategy Superheroes every day! Give yourselves a high five!"
Worksheet
My Zone Strategies Worksheet
Name: ____________________________
Being a Zone Strategy Superhero means I know what to do in each Zone!
Blue Zone Strategies
(When I feel sad, tired, sick, or bored)
Circle the 3 strategies you can use:
| Strategy 1 | Strategy 2 | Strategy 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Breaths | Listen to Calm Music | Ask for a Hug |
| Strategy 4 | Strategy 5 | Strategy 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Get a Drink of Water | Do a Quiet Activity | Rest My Head |
Green Zone Strategies
(When I feel happy, calm, focused, or ready to learn)
Circle the 3 strategies you can use:
| Strategy 1 | Strategy 2 | Strategy 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Listen to the Teacher | Work Quietly | Take a Brain Break |
| Strategy 4 | Strategy 5 | Strategy 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Help a Friend | Stretch My Body | Read a Book |
Yellow Zone Strategies
(When I feel frustrated, worried, silly, or overly excited)
Circle the 3 strategies you can use:
| Strategy 1 | Strategy 2 | Strategy 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Sensory Break | Count to Ten | Squeeze a Stress Ball |
| Strategy 4 | Strategy 5 | Strategy 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to an Adult | Go for a Walk | Use a Fidget Toy |
Red Zone Strategies
(When I feel angry, terrified, or out of control)
Circle the 3 strategies you can use:
| Strategy 1 | Strategy 2 | Strategy 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Find a Safe Space | Ask for Help | Deep Pressure (Hug) |
| Strategy 4 | Strategy 5 | Strategy 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Visual Timer for Break | Stomp Your Feet (Safely) | Yell into a Pillow |
My Favorite Strategy Today:
Circle your favorite strategy you want to try:
(Choose one from above or draw your own!)
Activity
Zone Strategy Cards
(Print, cut, and laminate these cards. Use them as visual aids for students to choose and discuss strategies for each Zone.)
Blue Zone Strategies
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Breaths | Listen to Calm Music | Ask for a Hug |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Get a Drink of Water | Do a Quiet Activity | Rest My Head |
Green Zone Strategies
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Listen to the Teacher | Work Quietly | Take a Brain Break |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Help a Friend | Stretch My Body | Read a Book |
Yellow Zone Strategies
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Sensory Break | Count to Ten | Squeeze a Stress Ball |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to an Adult | Go for a Walk | Use a Fidget Toy |
Red Zone Strategies
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Find a Safe Space | Ask for Help | Deep Pressure (Hug) |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Visual Timer for Break | Stomp Your Feet (Safely) | Yell into a Pillow |
Note: Image URLs are placeholders. A teacher would ideally replace these with actual visuals for each strategy.
Game
Zone Challenge Game
(Print, cut, and laminate these cards. This game helps students practice matching strategies to the correct Zones.)
Game Instructions:
- Preparation: Print and cut out all Zone Cards and Strategy Cards. Place the Zone Cards in one pile face down and the Strategy Cards in another pile face down.
- Taking Turns: Students take turns drawing one Zone Card from the Zone pile.
- The Challenge: Once a student draws a Zone Card (e.g., Red Zone), they must then draw a Strategy Card from the Strategy pile that they think would help them in that specific Zone.
- Discussion & Reinforcement: The teacher or a peer can ask, "Why do you think that strategy helps with the [Zone Color] Zone?" Provide positive reinforcement for correct matches. If a student chooses a strategy that doesn't fit, gently guide them to select a more appropriate one, referencing their My Zone Strategies Worksheet or the Zone Strategy Cards.
- Winning: There's no "winner" in this game; the goal is to practice and reinforce understanding. Play continues until all cards are used or time runs out.
Zone Cards
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Zone | Green Zone | Yellow Zone |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Red Zone | Blue Zone | Green Zone |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Zone | Red Zone | Blue Zone |
Strategy Cards
(Use the same strategy cards as provided in the Zone Strategy Cards activity. Make additional copies if needed for the game.)
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Breaths | Listen to Calm Music | Ask for a Hug |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Get a Drink of Water | Do a Quiet Activity | Rest My Head |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Listen to the Teacher | Work Quietly | Take a Brain Break |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Help a Friend | Stretch My Body | Read a Book |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Sensory Break | Count to Ten | Squeeze a Stress Ball |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to an Adult | Go for a Walk | Use a Fidget Toy |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Find a Safe Space | Ask for Help | Deep Pressure (Hug) |
| Card | Card | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Visual Timer for Break | Stomp Your Feet (Safely) | Yell into a Pillow |
Note: Image URLs are placeholders. A teacher would ideally replace these with actual visuals for each strategy.