A Time for Reflection

Having had some feedback from parents recently, we thought it might be a good idea to explain the thinking behind ‘Reflection Records’. These are closely linked to the school rules (Ready, Respectful, Safe) and the Zones of Regulation (ZoR). The ZoR are designed to allow children to understand their behaviour into four simple colours. What is crucial here is the understanding and acceptance that all emotions are valid. The children understand that there are places and times where, for example, it is completely acceptable to be in the YELLOW zone (excited, energetic, silly) - during playtime for instance. The key to being successful in the classroom is to be in the GREEN zone (focused, calm, proud). Inevitably, as we work with children and not machines, there are times when children find themselves in the RED (angry, panicked) or BLUE (sad, bored) zones, when they need to be in class. If this dysregulation persists the children will be asked to fill in a reflection record. This is a moment for the child to reflect and reset, It is NOT about being in trouble, not about being told off and does not mean there are further consequences. On the form is a box to indicate whether the child feels that they are back in the GREEN zone and ready to go back to class and continue their learning - 99% of the time, this is enough for the child to return to class successfully. For the 1% who are not ready, we have a ‘toolkit’ of ideas that will support them to regulate - from 5mins with Lego, a movement break or even a drink of water...