Learning Vs. Remembering
What was the phrase of the day that guides how we respond in crisis?
“There is no learning in a crisis, only remembering.”
Which part of the brain handles reasoning, planning, and problem-solving?
The executive state (cortex/forebrain).
What is the first part of the cycle that triggers the escalation cycle
Trigger
Which R involves validating a student’s feelings?
Relate
Why is behavior not “bad”?
It is communication of unmet needs, dysregulation, or medical/sensory factors.
What DO students remember from a crisis event?
Name at least one example...
How staff made them feel, whether they felt safe, whether they felt judged or shamed, whether staff escalated/co-regulated, etc.
Which state is activated during fight/flight/freeze/fawn?
The survival state (brainstem).
During peak escalation, which R from the 4 R’s is appropriate?
Regulate (only)
Why should you NOT use “Reason” during higher levels of escalation?
They cannot access reasoning — cortex is offline.
Why don’t we use planned ignoring?
It withholds connection (a basic need) and often escalates behavior.
Why can students NOT learn new skills during a crisis?
Their cortex is offline and they cannot reason, problem-solve, or process new information.
Which state involves big feelings?
The Emotional State (midbrain or limbic system)
What comes after "peak escalation"
De-escalation
Redirect is appropriate at what part of the cycle?
Trigger and early agitation
What is the difference between connection and compliance?
Connection fosters regulation; compliance is enforcing demands which often worsen dysregulations.
What is one way this concept (learning vs. remembering) helps prevent future crises?
Staff focus on connection and safety, not teaching or consequences, which decreases escalation patterns.
Why is it important to recognize which brain state a student is in?
It helps staff choose the appropriate support (regulate → relate → redirect → reason).
What comes after Trigger and Agitation?
Escalation
some say "Acceleration"
(Then Peak)
What is co-regulation?
Humans regulating through connection with another person.
Why do we avoid lecturing, shaming, enforcing consequences or punishments during crises?
It increases stress, reinforces trauma, and prevents co-regulation.
Name the brain state(s) where learning happens and the brain state(s) where only remembering happens
Learning- Executive State
Remembering- Emotional and Survival States
Name one body response that shows the survival state has taken over.
loss of impulse control, panic, unsafe behavior, peak escalation behaviors, etc.
List all 7 stages of the crisis cycle in order.
Calm → Trigger → Agitation → Escalation → Peak → De-escalation → Post-Crisis Depression → Recovery.
Give an example of a regulation strategy.
Calm tone, deep breathing, giving space, reducing sensory input, modeling slow movements, being mindful of nonverbals, going to a safe/calming setting, removing the audience etc.
How can staff communicate safety through body language?
Calm tone, neutral and/or warm facial expression, slow movements, soft posture, approaching at an angle within a students vision, mindful of body in space compared to student (not towering over them), etc.