Wise Owl (Brain Parts)
This part of the brain is called the "wise owl" and helps you think before you act. What is it?
prefrontal cortex (PFC)
If a friend accidentally bumps into you in line and you feel like pushing them back, name one calm choice you could make instead.
"I didn't like that. Could you give me some space?" , deep breath, move away
After an argument, what is one thing you can say to show you are owning your actions?
use "I" statement, talk about what you will do differently next time, repair
Name one calm-down strategy you can use if you start to feel frustrated in class.
deep breath, asking for a break, drink of water, positive self-talk, asking for help
What does it mean to "see someone else's perspective"?
thinking about how another person is feeling or thinking about a situation
This part of the brain helps you remember things like what you learned in class or how to get home. What is it?
hippocampus
True or False: Stopping to take a deep breath before answering helps your prefrontal cortex make a smarter choice.
True
A "fix-it plan" helps you make things better after a problem. Name one step that should be in a fix-it plan.
Saying sorry, doing a kind act, using "I" statements, practice safe choices
How does taking deep breaths help when you feel upset?
slows down body and brain to think over what choice to make
If your friend looks sad and says they didn't want to play, what could you say or ask to understand how they feel?
ask them "are you ok?" or "how can I help?"
This part of the brain is called the "guard dog" because it helps with strong feelings like fear or anger. What is it?
amygdala
Describe a simple plan you could use in class when you start to feel angry so you don't act without thinking.
1. notice I am getting angry (heart beating fast, fist clenching)
2. pause and take 5 deep breaths
3. figure out what my body needs (break, water, space, help, etc.)
Write a two-step fix-it plan someone could use after accidentally hurting a friend's feelings.
1. Say "sorry"
2. Offer to help or do something kind to show you care
Choose two calm-down tools from the list (deep breath, walking away, fidgets, positive self-talk) and explain when you would use each one.
deep breathing - helps calm my body and brain down before I react
walking away - removing myself and having space away from someone to calm my body and brain
positive self-talk - remind myself that I can do hard things
fidgets - keep my hands busy so I can focus
What does "hurt people hurt people" mean? What does this tell us about the person who is doing something unkind?
When a person does something unkind, they often are someone who has been "hurt" - maybe they have been bullies, things are scary at home, or they didn't get enough food or sleep.
These brain cells help you notice how someone else feels by copying what they do or how they act. What are they called?
mirror neurons
You are playing a game and lose. You want to grab the game piece from someone. Name two things you could do instead to control your impulse.
deep breath, positive self-talk ("I can try again next time") ("It's ok to feel upset. I can calm my body down")
Why is it important to say sorry and then do something to fix the problem?
Keeps the relationship strong and shows the other person that you care
Someone is trying to "fish" for your reaction by continuing to make fun of you. What are two calm-down strategies you can use?
walk away, stone face, ask for help, identify own buttons, positive self-talk
What could you say if a friend says "you never let me pick the game" ?
"I didn't know you felt that way. Let's take turns choosing."
Explain how the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) work together when you feel upset.
The amygdala alerts your body an makes you feel big emotions. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) helps you calm down and think about what to do next.
Benny is upset because Mia won't let him join a game. He wants to call Mia a bad name. List three steps Benny can take right then.
walk away, deep breaths, find a different game to join
You ripped up your work, said "I hate this class, " and ran out of the room. What are three steps you can take to fix the problem?
1. say sorry for ripping paper and saying hurtful words
2. help clean up ripped paper and ask for a new copy
3. make a plan for what to do next time
Name two different buttons for you and two strategies to use when they are pushed
someone talking about my family --> walk away
getting blamed for something I didn't do --> positive self-talk, calming tool
Relationships are like a health bar in a game. Name one reason why it is important to take care of relationships and two ways you can repair them.
If a relationship takes too many hits without repair, they become weaker and can even end. Those people will no longer want to be around as much.
To repair:
1. taking ownership of words and actions
2. do something kind to show that you care