From the Counselor
One of the ways students at Lenski learn social/emotional skills is through the In Focus curriculum. Students may have participated in lessons learning about their brain and how to use calming strategies!
Three parts of the brain:
Brain Stem (Lizard brain in K-2) - Tells us when we don’t feel safe and helps us move our bodies to protect ourselves. This makes it hard to pay attention, sit still, and learn.
Limbic System ( Dog in K-2) - Makes our emotions. This helps us be smart in how we act and how we treat others
Cortex (Wise Owl in K-2) - Used to learn and think. Helps us stop and think before we act. The owl is smart and wise!
Students also are learning ways to help the Owl part of their brain talk to the Lizard part, so it calms down when we feel stressed, worried or scared.
You can help your child at home by asking them, “which part of your brain is in control right now?” If your child is stressed, anxious, worried, etc., encourage them to take some deep breaths or do something to help the Owl take over. Next week I’ll share some of the calming strategies students can use!
