Use the Ocean Zones language at home to help your child talk about feelings and practice calming strategies.
Ocean Zones is a simple way for kids to notice and name their feelings using four friendly ocean characters. Your child's teacher is using this curriculum at school. This page gives you a quick tour of the language they are learning so you can use the same words and pictures at home.
At school, your child will see Ocean Zones on posters, cards, videos, and sometimes QR codes they can scan. Many of those same tools are available for families through our free Library and resources on this website.
Each character represents a different "zone" or emotional state. All zones are okay – they just need different kinds of help.
Tired, low energy, sad, bored.
"My body feels slow. I might need movement, water, or a check-in."
Calm, focused, ready to learn.
"My body feels just right. I can listen, play, and learn."
Excited, silly, worried, extra energy.
"My body feels wiggly or buzzy. I might need a break or a calming breath."
Angry, frustrated, out of control.
"My feelings are very big. I need an adult to help me feel safe again."
Small, consistent routines work better than long talks. Here are three simple ways to start:
When your child is upset or excited, gently point to the four zones (on a poster, printed picture, or just on your fingers) and ask, "Are you more like Manny, Stella, Shelly, or Crabby right now?" Accept whatever they choose – there are no wrong answers.
Your child's teacher is teaching a set of Ocean Zones breathing techniques at school. Ask your child, "Show me your favorite Ocean Zones breath" and practice it together when everyone is calm – not just during meltdowns.
When you notice your child calm, flexible, or using a strategy on their own, name it: "I see Stella right now. Your body looks calm and ready." This helps positive patterns stick.
Your child’s class may use short Ocean Zones videos to introduce the four friends and practice breaths. If your school shares a QR code or link, you can scan it at home to watch together and then try the matching breath as a family.
(If you didn’t receive a link, you can ask your child’s teacher or visit the Library on this site.)
These resources are free for families. Your child's school may send printed copies home as well.
For digital stories, breathing pages, and movement breaks, you can also explore our Calm Content Library.
Explains the four zones and characters in plain language with ideas for home.
You can download a PDF version here:
📄 Ocean Zones Parent Guide (PDF)
Quick visual you can hang on the fridge or calm corner at home.
You can download a printable PDF version here:
🧊 Four Zones Fridge Poster (PDF)
Simple pictures and steps for a few favorite Ocean Zones breaths you can practice together.
You can download the full set of four family breathing cards here:
💨 Family Breathing Card Set (PDF)
During the pilot, some schools may also send printed samples home.
Morning check-in pages and simple "Which Zone Am I In?" reflections to help kids share how their body feels.
You can explore printable versions here:
Printable Checklists in Free Resources
Short prompts families can use to talk about zones, breathing, and what helps during big feelings.
You can view sample conversation guides here:
Conversation Starters in Free Resources
If you have questions about how your child's school is using Ocean Zones, start by reaching out to their teacher. For questions about the curriculum itself, families can contact us directly: