Lesson Plan

Color Your Calm Lesson Plan

Students will identify emotions within the four Zones of Regulation, categorize sample feelings, and learn strategies to move toward the calm (green) zone.

Recognizing and regulating emotions builds self-awareness, supports positive classroom behavior, and equips students with lifelong social-emotional skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to the Zones

10 minutes

Step 2

Emotion Sort Activity

10 minutes

Step 3

Zone Reflection

10 minutes

Step 4

Strategy Brainstorm

10 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Goal Setting

5 minutes

Slide Deck

🔵 Blue Zone

Introduce the Blue Zone as the place of low energy or feeling “down.” Point out examples on the poster. Ask students to share times they’ve felt this way, then model one quick strategy (like a finger stretch).

🟢 Green Zone

Highlight that the Green Zone is our “ready to learn” zone. Invite students to demonstrate a calm posture and practice a positive self-talk phrase with you.

🟡 Yellow Zone

Explain that the Yellow Zone means heightened alertness or stress. Encourage students to show how their bodies might react and practice counting slowly to five.

🔴 Red Zone

Discuss how the Red Zone is when emotions feel out of control. Model box breathing, then have students try one cycle with you.

Lesson Plan

Color Your Calm Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction to the Zones

Step 2

Emotion Sort Activity

Step 3

Zone Reflection

Step 4

Strategy Brainstorm

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Goal Setting

Slide Deck

🔵 Blue Zone

🟢 Green Zone

🟡 Yellow Zone

🔴 Red Zone

Worksheet

Activity

Reading

Cool Down

Mood Mission: Zone In!

Andrew Argueta