Lower Elementary Principal Orientation Welcome!

The reason we are here tonight… to learn more about 5, 6, 7, 8, year-olds The importance of developing core muscle strength in children—for physical as well as academic and spiritual reasons The building blocks of learning to read and the accompanying challenges Fascinating information about your brain and how to lessen temper tantrums in yourself and your children!

Why is core strength important for children? Core strength is the development of the torso muscles that stabilize, align, and move the trunk of the body. Poor core strength can cause poor posture which can also affect gross motor and fine motor skills. Building strong core strength is like building a strong foundation for your child. Child’s Play Therapy Center

Core strength development starts as an infant—especially “tummy time!” Best ways to develop core strength in K-2 students: Good old fashioned outdoor play! Lose the stroller for toddlers and above Daily opportunities to run, jump, climb, crawl and explore in an unstructured environment. Child’s Play Therapy Center

Some signs of poor core strength Slumping while seated Shoulders rolled forward while seated Lack of endurance Poor balance Inability to write fluidly (which limits getting ideas from the brain to paper) Child’s Play Therapy Center

Automaticity The ability to do something without occupying the mind with the low-level details required, allowing it to become an automatic response pattern or habit. It is usually the result of learning, repetition, and practice.

Automaticity Some reading examples: o Fast o Accurate o Effortless word identification o Not sounding them out

Automaticity Some examples at home o In the morning, I brush my teeth this way every day; I don’t have to think of how to do it each time. o This is the way I put on my pants each day. o This is how I make my bed; I don’t have to think about the mechanics of it each time.

Automaticity Some classroom examples:  This is how I unpack my backpack every morning…  This is how I always hold my pencil.  This is what I do when I go out to carpool. I do this every day.

So then, what are some reasons that someone might not learn to read? Lack of exposure Attention issues Vision and hearing Convergence insufficiency Learning differences Developmental concerns

Better living through cognitive neuropsychology! Trust me— These truths will help you in your daily life— every single day!

The Amygdala

The “Amygdala Hijack” A term coined by Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence. When a person perceives that they are threatened, the amygdala responds irrationally. A rush of stress hormones floods the body before the prefrontal lobes (regulating executive function) can mediate this reaction.

Function of the amygdala Its job is to protect by comparing incoming data with emotional memories. Detecting danger Deciding if fight or flight is the best response

An amygdala hijack occurs when We respond out of measure with the actual threat b/c it has triggered an much more significant emotional response Responds similarly to a potential physical threat (such as by being eaten by a lion) as to the threat of a mere ego attack.

Don’t be that guy.

Effects of an amygdala hijacking Decrease in working memory The amygdala overtakes the neocortex (thinking part of the brain) Adrenalin is released--enabling the physical power needed to overcome this threat (present for 18 minutes!) More oxygen in the blood Muscles contract to prepare to run (flee) Hormones released that don’t subside for 3-4 hours Number of prospective possible solutions decrease from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1. You return to habitual behavior.

How to overcome an amygdala hijack: Physically withdraw. Name the trigger/emotion. Oxygenate with intention and purpose. Don’t stay down in the amygdala which reduces the number of possible solutions.

How to overcome an amygdala hijack: Take time to re-visit the experience after it’s over Write down a detailed account of what happened and your response After it has passed and you’re feeling stronger, address those concerns: “This is how I should have handled it.” “I will do it better next time.” This will interject some more productive behaviors by practicing staying in the neocortex.

How to reduce the frequency of an amygdala hijack: Strengthening your sense of appreciation for the good things in your life and your many blessings. Increasing positivity in your life makes it harder for the hijack to occur or take hold Concentrate on the good things in your life Pet an animal Experience joy with a child Exercise/sleep well

How to reduce the frequency of an amygdala hijack: Take time to re-visit the experience after it’s over Write down what happened and your specific responses When feeling stronger and it has passed, address those concerns: This is how I should have handled it. I will do it better next time. This will interject some better behaviors by practicing staying in the neocortex

Let’s pray!