Ways to calm my porcupine
Big emotions
PFC
Amygdala
Other
100

3 things I am grateful for are my family, friends, and pets

I can focus on the good

100

Examples of big emotions are?

Anger, anxiety, worrying, overwhelmed

100

What is the PFC?

Prefrontal Cortex

100

What is the Amygdala?

It triggers your stress response.

100

What is stress response?

Fight, flight or freeze

200

I can go for a walk to distance myself

I can take a break

200

What does it feel like when you have a big emotion?

Your muscles tighten, your heart starts racing, your breath becomes shorter and faster, your thoughts speed up.

200

Where is the PFC?

At your forehead behind your scull.

200

Where is the Amygdala?

Deep inside behind your ears

200

What is the stress response to do list?

  • Focus all attention on possible danger
  • Get stronger
  • Get faster
  • Or shut down and hope the threat does not see you.
300

Name 3 things I see, name 3 things I feel, name 3 things I hear.

I can do a mindfulness activity

300

What does a big emotion urge you to do?

Fight, flight, or freeze

300

Who is in charge of the PFC

Thoughtful turtle

300

Who is in charge of the Amygdala?

Protective porcupine

300

What does a fire alarm represent

Stress response (to either fight, flight, or freeze)

400

setting the table, helping a friend, walking the dog.

I can do something helpful and kind

400

Who steps in when you have a big emotion?

Protective porcupine

400

What happens when the amygdala takes over?

Thoughtful turtle hides in its shell.

400

What happens when the Amygdala gets out of control?

The protective porcupine gets way to out of control and makes you scared when they really aren’t that scary

400

Sabertoothed tiger

I’m extinct

500

I feel worried, I feel angry, I feel sad, I feel happy

I can name how I feel

500

What can trigger a big emotion?

Get in an argument with a friend, having a bad day, stressed about school.

500

What are the 5 things  the thoughtful turtle does?

  • Think, set goals, make plans
  • Problem solve and find solutions
  • Recognise and understand emotions
  • Treat yourself and others with kindness
  • Take good care of your feelings when you have BIG EMOTIONS like anger sadness or fear.
500

What are some examples from the story of when your protective porcupine comes out?

Starting a new school or moving, Problems with friends, struggling with schoolwork, conflicts at home.  

500

What would you do if a Sabertoothed tiger was attacking

Fight, flight, or freeze

M
e
n
u