Gradual Exposure
Avoiding reminders forever usually makes fear smaller.
False! Avoiding reminders usually keeps fear strong.
During Rainbow Breathing, what do you imagine while you breathe?
Tracing or making a rainbow.
A kid runs away from a barking dog. Is that Fight, Flight, or Freeze?
Flight.
A caregiver hugs you and you feel comfortable.
Safe.
Have I played the board game Life before?
Yes.
In the Snake vs. Stick story, what made the person scared at first?
A snake
Demonstrate rainbow breathing.
Awesome job!
Someone yells back and pushes another person because they feel threatened. Fight, Flight, or Freeze?
Fight.
Someone threatens you not to tell about something.
Not Safe.
Blue, pink, and purple.
What lesson does the Snake vs. Stick story teach us?
Sometimes our brain thinks something is dangerous when it really isn't.
Name at least three things you do during the 5-4-3-2-1 coping skill.
5 things you see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste.
A child suddenly can't move or speak after hearing a loud crash. Fight, Flight, or Freeze?
Freeze.
A teacher raises their voice to get the class's attention, and your heart starts racing. Is your brain reacting to Same or Safe?
Same.
What is my favorite food?
Mac and Cheese.
In Sherman and the Terrible Thing That Happened, what helped Sherman feel less afraid over time?
Talking about what happened and practicing being around reminders little by little.
Which coping skill is best when your brain starts thinking about scary memories or you start to get upset?
Any of the coping skills (Rainbow Breathing, Fish Breathing, or 5-4-3-2-1).
True or False: We choose our fight, flight, or freeze reaction.
False. Our brain does it automatically.
A kid smells smoke coming from the kitchen. Is that a real or false alarm?
Could be real or false, depends on where the smoke is coming from, if something is burning, etc.
What is my favorite movie?
K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Why do we use gradual exposure instead of facing the scariest thing all at once?
Because taking small steps helps our brain learn that we are safe without becoming overwhelmed.
Why do coping skills work?
They help calm our brain and body so we can think more clearly.
A kid sees a bee flying right toward them. Fight, Flight, or Freeze?
Flight.
A kid hears a dog barking from far away. Is that a real or false alarm?
False alarm, unless the dog is coming closer and showing signs of danger.
What do I like to do for fun?
Play with baby dolls and coloring.