REVIEWS
The Zones of Regulation: A Curriculum De- signed to Foster Self-Regulation and Emo- tional Control is based on the philosophy that all students want to and strive to do well, but many lack the skills necessary to think about, monitor and control their behaviour, which inadvertently affects their ability to learn and achieve success. The Zones curriculum is de- scribed as being an effective tool for creating and supporting an environment in which students learn to take responsibility for their own actions by distinguishing between be- haviours that are expected and unexpected. Identifying how one is feeling and know-
THE ZONES OF REGULATION: A Curriculum Designed to Foster Self- Regulation and Emotional Control Leah M. Kuypers Social Thinking Publishing, 2011 188 pages, $44 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Ashley Armstrong
ing how to react accordingly is a skill that comes naturally to many people. For others it must be learned and practised. The Zones curriculum is designed to help students learn to recognize how they are feeling, the body cues associated with those feelings and how to use tools and strategies to deal with those feelings appropriately. For example, students learn that it is normal to feel upset or an- gry, but that it is “unexpected” behaviour to throw a chair or punch someone in response to those feelings. Instead, they are provided with tools and taught strategies to help them deal with those feelings in “expected” ways.
With November around the corner, it’s
REMEMBRANCE DAY PLAYS FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES, GRADES 4-8 Barbara Brockmann On the Mark Press, 2010 180 pages, $18.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Andrew Robertson
time to start planning for the one hour of one day a year when educators have an op- portunity to help elementary children de- velop a meaningful understanding of Re- membrance Day. Remembrance Day Plays for Schools and Communities, written by Barbara Brockmann, winner of the 2014 ETFO Writer’s Award, is an age-appropriate resource that allows teachers to transform this brief yet emotional observance into an imaginative experience of Canada’s proud wartime history. Students from grades 4 to 8 have the opportunity to perform in one of five plays and participate in a Ceremony of Remembrance. The plays offer a variety of perspectives and recognize the sadness and sacrifices of war, the bravery and triumphs of fallen soldiers and veterans, and the expe- riences of their families and communities. The book also includes a useful teacher’s guide and a handy plot summary with at-a- glance production details for each play. The plays address World War I, World War
II (D-Day in particular), the Korean War and peacekeeping. Each play is historically accu- rate and gender-diverse, and includes scenes
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 45
The Zones curriculum encourages the devel- opment of self-regulatory abilities that are necessary for success now and forever. Eighteen detailed lessons reinforce the
concepts being taught, and these are accom- panied by worksheets and visuals to share with the students. In one lesson, students are provided with pictures showing a variety of emotions and are required to sort the emo- tions into the corresponding zones. By this point, students have already been taught the differences among the coloured zones, and have begun to create a “toolbox” of ways to react when they are in each of the zones. Although the lessons are geared toward stu- dents who are at or above grade level, accom- modations are provided and modifications can easily be made according to the cognitive level and age of each student.
Ashley Armstrong is a member of the Upper Canada Teacher Local.
from the home front and overseas. They also incorporate events, names and places that will resonate for students who already love history and inspire independent inquiry by others. An additional feature is the optional use of instrumental and choral music from different eras, as well as modern dance to symbolize conflict and warfare. A range of dance, musical, and acting roles ensures in- volvement across the school body. The cul- minating Ceremony of Remembrance inte- grates historical reflection with the present moment in a moving way. How do I know this? I’ve used this book!
It’s great for reader’s theatre or for a full-scale production. It’s wonderful to watch the faces of the student audience as they start to pow- erfully experience and to understand what “war” means for a community, making for a Remembrance Day that won’t be forgotten.
Andrew Robertson is a member of the Ottawa- Carleton Teacher Local.
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