Creating a Green Zone: Tools to Bring Students Back to Center
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Hey Reader! We’re talking about optimal learning states in our brains today! McKinley is starting to get out of control – you see her fists are tight, her body is rigid, her breathing is fast and shallow…at any moment, the scream will come out or she’ll bolt out the door! (She’s functioning in the red zone) Caleb is retreating from the group – you see his body physically shrinking, his head is lowered and he’s looking at the ground and unable to make eye contact, he might even be trying to hide under a table or behind something and he refuses to come out. (He’s functioning in the blue zone) I think we’d all agree that neither of these children are in an optimal learning state! They just can’t learn in this moment. So what do we do? Today, I’ll give you just a few ideas to pull these children back into a “green zone” so that they can learn. First…we must recognize that God has created us magnificently with body systems and nervous systems that are intricately intertwined! McKinley’s brainstem is most likely in charge of her in the state that she’s in. She is headed toward a “flight” or “fight” response to whatever has happened. Caleb’s brain is probably functioning out of the limbic system with emotions that are overwhelming and causing him to end up in a “freeze” response. Once you understand that neither of these children are trying to “push your buttons” or “be defiant”, you can begin to help them come back to a “learning brain”. So step one…acknowledge that each one of these children needs help regulating their body and their brain. Step two – we’ve got to help each child come back to center. For McKinley, acknowledge that you see she is upset, frustrated, angry, mad, or maybe hurt or embarrassed. Then get down on her level (a little below her eye level is optimal) and coach her through some deep breaths and relaxing her muscles. A breathing technique like drain breathing might helpful since you are intentionally tightening and relaxing muscles. Getting McKinley’s muscles relaxed will actually send a message to her brain that she’s OK and she can calm down! For Caleb, you might try a gentler breathing technique like STAR breathing. Again, your body needs to be as low as possible — when you are a “giant” in front of a child or leaning over them, you actually pose a natural threat to them (even though you don’t intend to). Your goal with him is that he would feel safe enough to come out! With both of these children…YOU do the breathing and encourage them to participate with you. Even if they don’t participate, YOUR breathing will actually calm THEIR brains and bodies! It’s incredible that God would use our relationship connections with these young children to build connections in their brains and bodies! Step three – hopefully, these children have gotten a little closer to their “learning brain” after some deep breathing and reassurance that you’ll help them handle whatever it is that caused the dysregulation. Remember that you are NOT responsible for solving the problem. Your job is to calm them enough that you’re able to coach THEM to solve the problem! In many cases, young children just need to know that they’re not dealing with something alone or they need coaching to handle their frustration and upset in a socially acceptable way. By teaching children how they can deal with upset in socially acceptable and healthy way, you’re setting the up to THEN learn how to handle the source of their upset as well. We want to build resilience in children so help them solve their problem, but don’t just remove their triggers. Give them the tools to advocate for themselves and to appropriately interact with each other — coach them! One other hint…if a child is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired…they are much closer to a dsyregulated state to begin with. When a child is upset, start with assessing whether you can meet a H.A.L.T. need first! Listen in on our podcast this week for LOTS of tips on helping children get to their optimum learning state.
Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team
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Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” |
