Parts of our Brain
The amygdala is represented by what animal?
Daily Double!: The amygdala helps with thinking or feeling?
Guard Dog
Daily Double!: The amygdala helps with feeling
What is the guard dogs job?
To act fast and keep us safe
"Let's think about this"
Wise Owl (PFC)
What is mindfulness?
Observing what is happening in the present moment, without thoughts or judgement
The prefrontal cortex (or PFC) is represented by what animal?
Wise Owl
What is the Wise Owl's job?
To think, make choices and plan
Daily Double!: Model a deep breath
Wise Owl (PFC)
Name one mindfulness exercise
Answers vary
True or false: The Wise Owl hoots when it senses danger
False: The Guard Dog barks when it sense danger
Who sends you into FIGHT, FLIGHT, OR FREEZE?
Daily Double!: Explain what each is
Guard Dog
Daily Double!: FIGHT (hitting, kicking, yelling, using mean words, blaming) FLIGHT (running away, trying to escape, leaving a space) FREEZE (shutting down, not able to move, not listening or able to understand)
"Something bad is going to happen"
Guard Dog (amygdala)
Box Breathing: Inhale 5 seconds, Hold for 5 seconds, Exhale for 5 seconds, Hold for 5 seconds
5 Finger Breathing: Trace your fingers- as you trace up, inhale, as you trace down, exhale
With your hand, show where the Wise Owl lives
Your fingers
Why is the Wise Owl not needed when we are in danger?
The Wise Owl is not needed when we are in danger because we need to act fast! Think about when you touch something hot...
"You can ask for help"
Wise Owl (PFC)
Demonstrate 5 Sense Grounding
Daily Double!: What sensory system did we learn about with Ms. Heather this morning?
5 things you SEE
4 things you HEAR
3 things you FEEL
2 things you SMELL
1 thing you TASTE
Daily Double!: Vestibular
With your hand, show where the Guard Dog lives.
Your thumb
Why is it hard to make choices when your Guard Dog senses danger?
Your Guard Dog starts barking and makes your Wise Owl fly away. When your Wise Owl flies it can't hear or do it's job to make choices and plan.
"Everyone is going to make fun of you"
Guard Dog (amygdala)
Explain how mindfulness helps us when our Guard Dog thinks we are in danger, when it's not real danger.
Mindfulness helps us because it calms our Guard Dog down. When our Guard Dog is calm, it stops barking and The Wise Owl can return to do it's job.