Zones Intro Slides Feelings Navigator
Lesson 1 • Visual Guide
The Four Zones
All feelings are okay! Let's check our body engine.
Blue
Slow
Green
Ready
Yellow
Caution
Red
Stop
We can point, speak, or use our cards to share!
Blue Zone
Body Engine: Slow
"My body feels slow."
Like a sleepy turtle or a rainy cloud.
Feelings in the Blue Zone:
Tired or Sleepy
Sad or Down
Sick or Hurt
💡 What helps Blue Zone: Soft stretch, drink of water, or quiet rest.
Green Zone
Body Engine: Just Right
"I am ready to learn!"
Calm body, open ears, and friendly hands.
Feelings in the Green Zone:
Calm & Peaceful
Happy & Safe
Focused & Ready
💡 Green Zone is great for group work, listening, and playing together.
Yellow Zone
Body Engine: Getting Fast (Caution)
"Slow down and notice."
Like a buzzing bee or a bouncy ball.
Feelings in the Yellow Zone:
Wiggly or Silly
Nervous or Anxious
Frustrated or Annoyed
💡 What helps Yellow Zone: Deep breath, fidget toy, or wall push-ups.
Red Zone
Body Engine: Stop • Need Help
"Stop. Safe space first."
Big feelings are okay. We keep bodies safe.
Feelings in the Red Zone:
Very Angry or Mad
Yelling or Overwhelmed
Out of Control
💡 What helps Red Zone: Quiet break corner, calm breaths, adult support.
Daily Check-In Routine
What Zone Are You In Right Now?
Point to your zone, say the word, or touch your card!
Blue Zone
Slow • Tired • Sad
👉 "I feel Blue"
Green Zone
Calm • Ready • Happy
👉 "I feel Green"
Yellow Zone
Wiggly • Excited • Frustrated
👉 "I feel Yellow"
Red Zone
Mad • Stop • Overwhelmed
👉 "I feel Red"
Remember: Every zone is natural! We can choose a tool anytime.
Zone Checkin Board Daily Zone Check-In
Point • Place Marker • Share
Name:
Date:
I Feel
"My body engine is in the..."
Touch or place token below
Blue Zone SLOW
Tired • Sad • Sick
Moving slow like a turtle
📍 [ Place My Token Here ]
Green Zone READY
Calm • Happy • Focused
Ready to learn and play
📍 [ Place My Token Here ]
Yellow Zone CAUTION
Wiggly • Excited • Frustrated
Engine getting fast, slow down
📍 [ Place My Token Here ]
Red Zone STOP
Mad • Overwhelmed • Yelling
Hands safe, stop & get help
📍 [ Place My Token Here ]
Step 2: Point to what you need right now
All choices are safe & supported
Drink Water
3 Deep Breaths
Quiet Space
Help from Adult
Printable Zone Tokens & Strips
Cut Out • Laminate • Attach Velcro
Page 2 • Visual Cutouts
Cut out these student tokens and portable strips for individual student desks, binders, or communication rings.
Student Pointer Tokens (Write name or add student photo)
My Token
Name
My Token
Name
My Token
Name
My Token
Name
Desktop Visual Strip (Cut and tape directly to student desk)
BLUE Slow • Tired
GREEN Calm • Ready
YELLOW Caution • Wiggly
RED Stop • Need Help
AAC Touch / Flip Cards (Hole punch top for binder ring)
TIRED
Blue
SAD
Blue
CALM
Green
FOCUSED
Green
WIGGLY
Yellow
FRUSTRATED
Yellow
MAD
Red
STOP / HELP
Red
💡 Educator Tip: Pair cards with a velcro strip on the student's desk. Prompt students to update their zone before transitions (arrival, post-recess, independent work).
Zones Routine Facilitator Guide Zones Routine Facilitator Guide
Lesson 1 • Predictable Routines & Concrete Scripts
Educator & Aide Resource
Instructional Goal
Students build awareness of the 4 color zones without judgment. The goal is accurate self-identification , not forcing everyone into Green. All zones are acceptable and valued.
Golden Rule "Connection before direction. Never punish a student for Red or Yellow."
The 3-Minute Daily Check-In Protocol (Arrival & Post-Recess)
1
Visual Signal
Ring gentle chime or show the 4-zone board.
2
Adult Models
Educator labels own zone out loud first.
3
Student Touch
Each student points, speaks, or taps card.
4
Tool Match
Acknowledge & offer sensory tool if needed.
Concrete Verbal Scripts (Say This / Avoid That)
When student is lethargic / head down:
"I see heavy eyes and a slow body. That looks like Blue Zone. Would you like a cool sip of water or a soft stretch?"
When student is calm & engaged:
"Your eyes are listening and body is calm. You are in the Green Zone! We are ready for our story together."
When student is wiggly / agitated:
"I notice quick hands and bouncy feet. Engine is running Yellow! Let's do 3 wall pushes together to slow down."
When student is screaming / overwhelmed:
"You are in the Red Zone. Big feelings. You are safe here. I will keep your body safe while we breathe."
Tiered Communication Options (Meet Students Where They Are)
Mode A: Point & Touch
Student points directly to the colored zone quadrant on desk strip or classroom poster.
Mode B: AAC & Symbols
Locate "Feelings / Emotions" on high-tech AAC device (TouchChat, LAMP, Proloquo) or hand PECS card.
Mode C: Partner Scanning
Educator points to each zone slowly ("Blue? Green?"). Student nods, blinks, or vocalizes on their zone.
Next Step: Proceed to Lesson 2 (Body Clues Detective) once students identify colors consistently.
Step 1 of 3 Complete
Body Clues Slides Body Clues Detective
Lesson 2 • Physical Signals
Become a Body Detective!
Your body talks to you! Before feelings get big, your body sends clues.
Heart
Breathing
Hands
Face
Let's find out what each body clue tells us!
Clue 1: My Heart
Touch your chest: Thump... Thump...
Slow & Steady
Heart beats slow and relaxed.
Green Zone
Thump-Thump Fast!
Heart racing like a fast train.
Yellow or Red Zone
👉 Put one hand on your chest right now. Is your heart slow or fast?
Clue 2: My Hands
Look at your fingers & hands
Soft & Open Hands
Fingers relaxed, ready to draw or write.
Green Zone
Tight Squeezed Fists
Fingers curled tight or shaking.
Yellow or Red Zone
👉 Squeeze your hands tight like lemons... now let them go soft like cooked noodles!
Clue 3: My Breathing
Breathe in through nose... out mouth
Smooth & Quiet
Gentle air flows in and out smoothly.
Green Zone
Fast or Holding Breath
Short, fast breaths or holding breath tight.
Yellow or Red Zone
👉 Take one deep breath together: Smell the flower 🌸... blow out the candle 🕯️
Detective Clue Match
Can You Match the Clue to the Zone?
Point to which zone this body clue belongs to:
"My legs are bouncing and my hands feel wiggly!"
Which zone is this clue?
Blue
Tired
Green
Calm
Yellow!
Wiggly
Red
Stop
Great job! Your body gives you clues before feelings grow big!
Body Signals Detective Sheet Body Signals Detective Map
Lesson 2 • Notice What Your Body Feels
Name:
Date:
Touch each body clue below. Circle or point to what your body feels right now!
Investigate
1. Head & Eyes
Heavy & Sleepy Eyes (Blue)
Calm & Focused Eyes (Green)
Dizzy or Looking Around (Yellow)
Head Feels Hot or Loud (Red)
2. Heart & Breathing
Slow & Low Breathing (Blue)
Steady & Quiet Heart (Green)
Fast Thump-Thump Heart (Yellow)
Panting / Short Breaths (Red)
3. Hands & Arms
Heavy, Floppy Hands (Blue)
Soft, Ready Open Hands (Green)
Fidgety, Tapping Fingers (Yellow)
Tight Clenched Fists (Red)
4. Tummy & Legs
Slumped, Tired Body (Blue)
Calm, Comfortable Tummy (Green)
Butterflies / Bouncing Legs (Yellow)
Tummy in a Knot / Stomping (Red)
Detective Conclusion:
My body clues tell me that right now I am in the:
BLUE
GREEN
YELLOW
RED
Body Clue Sorting Activity
Draw A Line Or Cut & Paste
Page 2 • Clue Match
Look at each body clue on the left. Draw a line or point to the matching Zone on the right!
"Heavy, tired head & slow body"
Feels like moving in slow motion
Matches:
Blue Zone
"Calm, smiling face & steady breath"
Ready to listen and play nicely
Matches:
Green Zone
"Bouncing legs & wiggly fingers"
Engine speeding up, lots of energy
Matches:
Yellow Zone
"Tight squeezed fists & yelling voice"
Engine out of control, need safe space
Matches:
Red Zone
"Gentle open hands resting in lap"
Body feels peaceful and safe
Matches:
Green Zone
Official Body Detective Status
"I can feel my body clues before my engine gets too fast!"
⭐ Verified Detective
Sensory Tools Slides My Calming Toolkit
Lesson 3 • Sensory Tools Explorer
Sensory Tools for Your Body Engine
We have tools for our muscles, hands, ears, mouth, and movement!
Deep Pressure
Gentle Motion
Tactile & Chew
Sound & Sight
Every body is unique! Find what makes you feel safe and calm.
Tool Group 1: Deep Breathing
Slows Down Racing Hearts
Smell & Blow
1. Smell the sweet flower
2. Blow out the candle softly
Belly Balloon
Hands on tummy. Fill your belly like a soft round balloon, then let the air float out.
Repeat 3 Slow Breaths
👉 Put both hands on your belly right now. Feel it rise and fall!
Tool Group 2: Deep Pressure
Heavy Work for Muscles & Joints
Wall Push-Ups
Flat hands on wall. Push with strong arms 5 times.
Weighted Lap Pad
Gentle weight on lap gives calming grounded pressure.
Tight Bear Hug
Wrap arms around yourself and squeeze firmly.
👉 Deep pressure gives our brain the signal: "Your body is safe and grounded."
Tool Group 3: Calming Movement
Rhythm & Reset Motion
Rocking Motion
Gentle forward and back rocking in a chair or wobble stool calms the nervous system.
Slow Rhythmic Sway
Animal Walks & Pacing
Slow bear walks or walking on the hallway tape line discharges wiggly Yellow energy safely.
Focused Movement Break
👉 Gentle rhythmic motion helps organize bodies that feel scrambled or wiggly.
Tool Group 4: Tactile & Oral
Touch & Mouth Sensory Input
Chew Tool & Cool Drink
Chewy necklace tube or slow sips through a water bottle straw give strong calming oral feedback.
Calms Mouth & Throat
Tactile Squeeze & Texture
Therapy putty, squishy stress ball, or fuzzy fabric strip gives fingers quiet work to do.
Occupies Restless Hands
👉 Squeezing or chewing safe tools helps reduce anxiety without disrupting others.
Tool Group 5: Sound & Sight
Reducing Sensory Overload
Quiet Headphones
Muffles loud hallway or gym noises.
Glitter Calming Jar
Watch slow floating glitter settle gently.
Calm Break Corner
Soft beanbag with dimmed low lighting.
👉 When the room feels too loud or bright, protect your ears and eyes!
Point & Choose Practice
Which Sensory Tool Fits Your Engine?
Point to the tool you would pick right now:
Flower Breath
In & out
Wall Pushes
Arm pressure
Squeeze Putty
Hand fidget
Weighted Lap Pad
Deep pressure
Cool Drink / Chew
Oral calming
Headphones / Corner
Quiet space
🌟 Wonderful! You have tools in your kit whenever you need them!
Calming Choice Menu Cards My Sensory Choice Menu
Lesson 3 • Point, Pick & Regulate
Name:
Date:
When your body engine needs support, point to one sensory tool below:
9 Sensory Tools
Flower & Candle
3 Slow Deep Breaths
[ Tap To Pick ]
Wall Push-Ups
5 Strong Arm Pushes
[ Tap To Pick ]
Weighted Lap Pad
Calming Firm Weight
[ Tap To Pick ]
Squeeze Putty
Squish Stress Ball
[ Tap To Pick ]
Gentle Rock / Sway
Slow Rhythmic Motion
[ Tap To Pick ]
Chew Tool / Water
Cold Straw Sips
[ Tap To Pick ]
Quiet Headphones
Blocks Loud Room Noise
[ Tap To Pick ]
Calm Glitter Jar
Watch Swirl Settle
[ Tap To Pick ]
Calm Break Space
2 Minutes Cozy Cushion
[ Tap To Pick ]
My 3-Step Calm Down Routine:
1
Check Zone
How does body feel?
2
Use 1 Tool
Try tool for 2 minutes.
3
Check Again
Am I ready to learn?
🌟 "I have sensory tools to help my body engine anytime!"
Sensory Cutouts & Breath Guide
Tactile Trace Path & Desk Choice Cards
Page 2 • Practical Cutouts
Star Breathing Finger Trace Path
Trace finger along star lines. Breathe IN going up, HOLD at the star point, breathe OUT going down!
⭐ Star Tip: Hold breath gently for 2 seconds
⬆️ Breathe IN
⬇️ Breathe OUT
👉 Trace 3 points with index finger
Printable Tool Tokens (Cut and attach velcro hook to back)
Breathing
Push-Ups
Lap Pad
Putty
Rock / Sway
Chew / Water
Headphones
Glitter Jar
Calm Corner
Visual Exchange Break Cards (Hand to educator or tap)
I Need A Break
Hand to teacher
Water / Chew
I need oral sensory
Quiet Headphones
Room is too loud
My Top 3 Tools Desk Strip (Cut & tape to student's desk)
Favorite Tool 1 [ Velcro Spot ]
Favorite Tool 2 [ Velcro Spot ]
Favorite Tool 3 [ Velcro Spot ]
Sensory Regulation Teacher Guide Sensory Regulation Teacher Guide
Lesson 3 • Sensory Menu & De-Escalation Protocol
Staff Implementation Matrix
Zone-by-Zone Sensory Tool Match (Proprioceptive, Vestibular, Oral, Tactile)
BLUE ZONE
Alerting & Gentle Wakeup
Cold water straw sips
Gentle upright stretch
Crunchy sensory snack
Slow hallway pacing walk
Goal: Gentle Alerting
GREEN ZONE
Sustaining Focus
Quiet desk putty / fidget
Wobble stool cushion
Visual schedule token check
Positive calm reinforcement
Goal: Maintain Stability
YELLOW ZONE
Organizing & Heavy Work
Wall & chair push-ups
Weighted lap pad / bear hug
Chewy necklace / chew tube
Rhythmic slow chair rock
Goal: Ground & Slow
RED ZONE
Safety & Calming Reset
Calm beanbag corner
Noise-cancelling headphones
Glitter calm visual bottle
Zero demands / low lighting
Goal: De-Escalate & Protect
Adult Co-Regulation Protocol: "Regulate Before You Reason"
1 Regulate (Body)
Lower your voice pitch, uncross arms, and sit at eye level. Breathe slowly and visibly. Match sensory environment to student's need.
2 Relate (Empathy)
Validate without debating: "I hear you. You are safe. We can pause." Keep spoken language to 3-5 words maximum.
3 Reason (Later)
Only talk about what happened after the body has returned to Green for at least 10 minutes. Offer praise for using safe recovery.
Individualized Tool Effectiveness Log (Quick Staff Check)
Track sensory tool response
Student Name
Initial Zone
Tool Selected
Duration
Returned to Green?
[ Blue / Yell / Red ]
_____ min
Yes / In Progress
[ Blue / Yell / Red ]
_____ min
Yes / In Progress
[ Blue / Yell / Red ]
_____ min
Yes / In Progress
Full Feelings Navigator Sequence Complete: Lesson 1, Lesson 2, and Lesson 3.
Curriculum Complete
