Brain Basics
What part of the brain helps you think clearly and make good decisions?
Prefrontal Cortex
What does it mean that “you can change your brain”?
You can build new habits and responses.
Name one way to calm your body quickly
Breathing, walking, music, etc.
What happened to Brian at school?
He was bullied
You feel yourself getting mad fast—what’s the FIRST thing you should do?
Safety Plan
What part of the brain reacts to danger and triggers fight or flight?
Amygdala
What example did we use to explain the importance of repetition for learning?
Riding a bike
What are ways the nervous system can calm down?
Movement + breathing
Why did Brian respond to his brother they way that he did?
He was triggered by past experiences
What are some small things that trigger you like Brian?
What are the 2 main parts of the nervous system we talked about?
Sympathetic (activates) & Parasympathetic (calms
What happens when you practice a skill over and over?
It becomes easier to do and the brain pathway becomes stronger
What type of breathing helps calm you the most?
Slow deep breathing
What did Brian do to calm down?
Ran / moved his body
You don’t feel like calming down—what’s one thing you can still try?
Move your body! Like Brian.
Which nervous system makes you feel anxious, stressed, or angry?
Sympathetic nervous system
What are the 3 steps to changing your behavior?
Learn, Plan, Practice
What happens when you breathe out slowly?
Activates calming system (parasympathetic)
What changed after he calmed down?
He could think clearly and feel empathy
You take a break to calm down, but you’re still feeling angry. What should you do next?
Keep using calming skills (walk longer, breathe, music, etc.) instead of going back too soon
Which nervous system helps you calm down and think clearly?
Parasympathetic nervous system
What is the word for your brain forming new connections?
Neuroplasticity
Name 3 calming strategies from the session
Exercise, music, journaling, nature, fidget, etc.
What part of Brian’s brain “turned back on” after calming down?
Prefrontal cortex
Your parent tells you to take a break, but you don’t want to. Why is taking a break actually helpful?
It gives your brain time to calm down so you don’t say or do something you regret