Guess The State
This brain state is primary and automatic; it asks the core question: "Am I safe?".
What is the Survival State (Brainstem)?
This is the first step in the sequence of engagement, focusing on calming the primitive parts of the brain first.
What is Regulate?
This 3-step breathwork exercise involves inhaling like a sunrise and exhaling like a waterfall to return the body to calm.
What is Sunrise to Waterfall?
This phrase is the foundation of co-regulation: "Regulation begins with _____".
What is Us?
This term describes how the brain is organized, with functions becoming increasingly complex from the bottom to the top.
What is Hierarchical?
When an individual is in this state, they are driven by a need for connection and ask: "Am I loved?".
What is the Emotional State (Limbic System)?
This middle step is essential because you cannot reach the cortex for learning until you have first connected relationally.
What is Relate?
The survival state is not moved by words; it specifically seeks these two things: Rhythm and __________.
What is Predictability?
This term describes the process where one regulated nervous system helps calm another person's nervous system.
What is Co-regulation?
This catchy phrase describes how we build neural pathways: "Neurons that fire together, _____ together"
What is Wire?
Known as the brain’s "CEO," this is the optimal state for learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
What is the Executive State (Prefrontal Cortex)?
Educators often fail to reach students because they try to use this final "R" while the student is still dysregulated.
What is Reason?
To regulate the brainstem, educators could use activities like rocking, drumming, or this ancient form of movement.
What is Yoga?
When a dysregulated adult and a dysregulated child escalate each other's stress, it is known as this type of "mess".
What is a Co-dysregulating loop?
This is the brain’s amazing ability to change and reorganize its structure throughout life through repetition and safety.
What is Neuroplasticity?
If an adult is using threats to control student behavior or sending kids out of the room due to frustration, they are likely operating in this state.
What is the Survival State?
To follow the brain’s biological rules, you must follow this exact sequence: _____, _____, _____.
What is Regulate, Relate, Reason?
This regulation tool involves staying grounded and avoiding crossing your arms or standing directly over a student.
What is Open Posture?
This is a systemic tool where staff can "tap-out" or go to this office to regulate themselves before returning to the classroom
What is the STO (Supportive Team Office)?
This concept explains why a person's ability to be rational shifts based on their current level of fear or threat.
What is State-dependent functioning?
This state is governed by a "personal playlist" of internal dialogue; when it’s dysregulated, it often manifests as blaming, shaming, or judging others.
What is the Emotional State?
Telling a frustrated person to "Calm Down" often fails because it is an attempt to use this step before the brain is actually ready for it.
What is Reason?
Because lower parts of the brain process information first, this type of communication is actually more effective than words during a crisis.
What is Nonverbal Communication?
An adult stays regulated, their presence alone can take a child who is dysregulated and help them become regulated because the child will "begin to reflect your ____".
What is Calm?
The primitive parts of the brain are not very good at this, which is why a traumatized child may react to a present sound as if it were a past danger.
What is Telling time?