Zones of Regulation, 26.04.24: The Toolbox

This week, the children have thought about the tools we have available, and have considered which of these tools would be genuinely beneficial in helping us to get back to the Green Zone and self-regulate. 

Comments include:

"I think the most important tool in my toolbox is to 'Take a Break' because this helps me to get back to the Green Zone, especially if I am feeling frustrated." - Sydnie

"I think the most useful tool in my toolbox is a 'Fidget Ball' because I love how they feel and they make me happy." - Freya

"I think the most important tool in my toolbox is 'Size of the Problem' because it helps me to think about the bigger picture and get back to the Green Zone more quickly." - Kayson

"I think the most useful tool in my toolbox is 'Swinging' because I like the swinging motion up and down." - Jadyn

"I think the most useful tool in my toolbox is 'Walking' because, for me, taking a walk is really calming." - Harry

"I think the most useful tool in my toolbox is a 'Fidget Ball' because it helps me to calm down when feeling stressed." - Belle

"I think the most important tool in my toolbox is a 'Fidget Ball' because it calms me down a lot more than the other tools and it helps me to learn better." - Connie

Zones of Regulation, 19.04.24: Silencing our 'Inner Critic'

In Hedgehogs, we have been discussing the 'voice in our head'. We know that our Inner Voice can can take on a positive role, called our 'Inner Coach', or a negative role known as our 'Inner Critic'. Today, we have talked in depth about how to silence the Inner Critic, who is the unpleasant niggling voice that puts us down and tells us that we can't do something or that we're not good enough. We have discussed 'Growth Mindset' and the importance of 'YET', for example, "I can't do this YET, but I know that if I continue to try my best, I will be able to do it soon". Whilst we acknowledge that we may not be experts at all things, we can speak positively to ourselves and encourage growth and resilience. Hedgehogs have been amazing at this, and have really thought about how they can improve their Self Talk and be kinder to themselves. We have all been able to name things that we are great at, and we have talked with pride about our achievements. In the future, when we come across a difficult task or concept, we are going to try and remember our Inner Coach, and use it to silence the Inner Critic.