Brain Friends
Who is the Wise Owl in your brain?
Prefrontal Cortex-Helps you solve problems and make decisions
What part of the hand model is the Wise Owl?
The Fingers
What are the three ways the Guard Dog reacts?
Fight, Flight, Freeze
Why do we use an Elephant to remember what the Hippocampus does?
Elephants have good memories.
What is a coping/calming/regulation skill?
Something we do to calm down when our emotions feel overwhelming.
Who is the Guard Dog in your brain?
Amygdala-Helps keep you safe
If the Wise Owl flies away, who is in charge of decision making?
Guard Dog-Amygdala
If you slam a door when you are mad, what reaction is that?
Fight
What part of the hand is the Elephant?
Palm
What is one way to regulate through moving?
Wall Push-ups, Chair Push-ups, Walk it Out, Stretch it Out
Who is the Elephant in your brain?
Hippocampus-Stores your memories
If your Wise Owl-Prefrontal Cortex is in charge, does that mean the Guard Dog-Amygdala isn't doing it's job?
No, the Wise Owl-Prefrontal Cortex is communicating with the Guard Dog-Amygdala to assess threats.
If you hide under your blankets when you are scared, what reaction is that?
Flight
If your Elephant remembers that you did well on the last test you took, how might your Guard Dog act when you have another test?
Safe and Calm
What are 2 ways to regulate through doing?
Water, Doodling, Alphabet Challenge, Counting, Listening to Music
Which brain friend/part of your brain helps you stay calm and think?
Wise Owl-Prefrontal Cortex
What are 3 things the Wise Owl-Prefrontal Cortex are in charge of?
Thinking, Planning, Organizing, Problem Solving, Regulating Thoughts and Emotions
If you can't speak when you have a presentation in front of the class, what reaction is that?
Freeze
How does the Elephant (Hippocampus) help your Guard Dog (Amygdala)?
It remembers if something is a threat/dangerous.
What are 3 ways to regulate through feeling?
Tense and Release, Mindful Eating, Heartbeat, Mantras, Body Scan
Which brain friend/part of your brain is triggered when you are upset?
Guard Dog-Amygdala
Why can we learn better when the Wise Owl is in charge?
We can stay calm and focused because we feel safe.
What part of the brain is "flipped" when the Guard Dog takes control?
Wise Owl-Prefrontal Cortex
If the Guard Dog is barking, how does that affect the Elephant?
We have a more difficult time learning and storing memories.
What are 4 ways to regulate through thinking?
Your Happy Place, Gratitude, 5,4,3,2,1, SOS, Brain Dump It