Good(enow) News!
Weekly Staff and Daycare Updates from Mrs. Goodenow!
Educating the Anxious Brain Conference--San Francisco, CA
Dr Bruce Perry, Neuroscientist, Child Psychologist
One of the keynote speakers struck a chord with me as he explained the human brain and regulation. Many of our students are working on regulating themselves in order to receive instruction and grow as individuals. We also are working on our own regulation in order to gauge what they need. In a perfect world, we BOTH would be regulated enough to converse, learn, and grow. We know that isn't the case. Below is a video of Dr. Perry sharing some surface level understanding of the brain but also the hierarchy of how the brain moves information during regulation and disregulation.
SevenSlideSeries: The Human Brain
Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Professor of Education, Psychology, and Neuroscience
Dr. Immordino-Yang used visuals and humor (as much as a brain scientist can) to share how connections are vital for shaping identity and learning. Connections are brought about by emotions and emotions keep us alive! Her research on youth is so powerful. The video below is just a snapshot of what she aims to do using MRI scanning of the brain.
Ed-Talk: Learning with an Emotional Brain - Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
Dr. Dan Siegel, Child Psychologist
Dr. Dan Siegel is a teacher. He strictly did not use any slides during the keynote so that we would truly listen to the words that he was sharing and research he was presenting. Below is an hour long parenting talk. If you are not a parent, insert the word "Teacher" for every time he uses it. He will share in this presentation about the most impactful ways to connect with your kids or students--eye contact, facial expression, tone of voice, posture, time, gestures, and intensity. Closely examining how you interact in these facets with your students will give insight into why they might not have "heard" you. Where you looking them in the eyes? Where your arms folded or open? Was your face calm? Did you stand next to them or sit beside them? One small movement or deep breath can make the difference!
Dan Siegel: "Presence, Parenting, and the Planet" | Talks at Google
Overall Thoughts
The conference saturated my brain with ideas and learning. Mainly, I want to make meaningful connections with the adults and students in this building. A meaningful connection leads to a sense of security and trust. We have to remember that connections CONTINUE to be important throughout life. Even though it is vital to have early detection for student issues, continued connections shape our worldview. We must rest, focus, and make every day full of the RIGHT amount of dopamine :)
Jessica Goodenow
Email: jgoodenow@gcb.k12.ia.us
Website: gcbschools.org
Location: Gilmore City-Bradgate Community School District, IA, USA
Phone: 5153736124
Facebook: facebook.com/GCBHome
Twitter: @jessicagoodenow