Understanding Behaviour - Responding Safely 26.1.18

Learning From Brain Science.

• Sometimes, kids brains can't cope with the pressures of stress. The brain activity moves from the frontal lobe to the 'limbic system' Thus producing tantrums etc. Emotions run wide they lose the ability to make good choices, they need to be calmed first. The consequences can come later (when the brain has calmed down and the blood is back in the cortex, frontal lobe).

• You can touch kids and move them around, if there is imminent danger. (From the act)

Support for schools to minimise physical-restraint.

It's all about relationships (The Human Treasure Hunt is a good starter).

Trauma can have an incredible effect on kids, especially the emotional aspect.
The WHY: environment, home history, physiological, psychological.

You need to get to know the kids. You need to ‘tease out’ the possible WHY.

Find the behaviour is causing the problems, then teach a replacement behaviour.

Things that push my buttons:

Arrogance (too cool for school)

Lack of empathy. (Kids who just don’t ‘get it’ re being kind, thoughtful, cutting others some slack)

Deceitfulness.

Liars.

Stress Responses:

One stress response is usually more dominant.

The adrenaline kicks in. (Usually to get us out of trouble, the ability to lift something heavy or run fast). This is very natural but outdated now (no sabre tooth tigers these days). We need to manage our stress responses. Mindfulness.

Nigel Latta (Stress Christchurch EQ) This illustrates how the stress response can take things out of control.


Encouraging Ready To Learn Behaviour.

Creating relationships is the key. A positive classroom culture. Getting to know the students is essential. I know something special about you. Kids love it, gives them mana.

Emotional Regulation:

Invading personal space will increase anxiety. Use the side stance (T Stance)
Eye contact needs to be appropriate. (Often depends on culture)

Try to be calm, in control, interested, empathetic. Make those listening noises (Hmmm, oh) and the nod, eyebrow lift.

Use open questions to open a conversation. To close one, use closed questions.

Responding Safely:

Resilience is important. Consequences v punishment v discipline???

 Getting Kids Back To Ready To Learn.

Positive feedback.

PB4L tokens.

Teacher proximity.

Structure.

Errands when things get wobbly.

If Things Are Escalating:

Get the others to move, so they are not in the way.(Remove the audience)

Be the ‘voice’ for the agitated one. Get the others (possible stirrers) to move away.

Call for support.

A useful 4 stage strategy:

1.   Goal setting (Small chunks).

2.   Practice in your mind first when it happens in reality you would have already had a practice run. When you are successful it will look like this…..

3.   Self-talk (positive). This overrides the fear signal. (Inside the head talking)

4.   Breathing/relaxation! A good focus strategy. (Mindfulness and 7/11 breathing) Breathing in less than out. 7 breaths in and 11 breaths out.

YOU CAN TRAIN YOUR BRAIN!

Just Breathe 
Good Youtube to show kids. When kids are angry...strategies.