Introductions

Group expectations

Explanation of using combination of strategies complement rather than detract.

Brain Smart Start
Activity to unite -builds endorphin system
Activity to disengage stress-shuts off stress response
Activity to connect-builds dopamine system
Activity to commit-builds serotonin system

Connections on the outside build connections on the inside.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXhDQW3-OxA

A grandmother's reflection on her grandson. What has happened to him now?

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5h_zyPozaU

Transformative thoughts:
*What you offer to others you strengthen in yourself.
*Leader - be the person you want them to become
*Attention builds Connection
*Pay attention to what you are paying attention to (it may be time to shift)
*Focus on what you want not what you don't want.

Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/v/RXJGcqcJckA

Your emotional state dictates behavior:

Change the State FIRST
Change the Behavior SECOND

Fundamental Shift from how do i MAKE this child behave to how do I help the child be successful.

Letting go of judgment and opening your heart with compassion.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LoPISIGAJw

An example

Discussion of the importance of this. It is where the child can begin to regulate again - cannot be done without prep work.
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUMc3fWgLEk

Everyone up. Let's do this together.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dn8EJUqBMc

My job is to keep you safe. Your job (children) is to help keep you safe. Helpful and safe. Ritual is important here. Some teachers use this time to take attendance.

Example: Sophie, I'm going to keep you safe (puts her name in safe box; John, I'm going to keep you safe, Miguel, I'm going to keep you safe). Susie is not here today - let's wish her well. All this promotes a sense of safety and family.

We all want to be helpful. Let children know it is their jobs to help keep the classroom and each other safe.

Engage by asking how they can keep the classroom safe. Acknowledge each response.

Ask the Centers how they take attendance.

The brain functions optimally when we feel safe. The optimal state of learning is relaxed alertness. Ready alert state is 80 beats per minute.

Helping children have the language to keep them safe.

Notice, teacher did not require eye contact of little boy. She was speaking from behind him on his right side. "Making Room For Boys" page 38.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0d_HD14fMw

You can't teach conflict resolution until each is safe. You can't teach conflict resolution if you have not made a connection with the child. Safety and connection, then you can teach the brain conflict resolution. The same for adults.

Reflection:

Where are you staff? Do you feel safe yourselves? Is there transparency? Do you feel supported?

Being truly present is what builds connections. Touch is safe, predictable and structured.

Children under the age of three have to have adult attachment to self-regulate.

Relationship take six weeks, then you can work on compliance.

The brain is pattern seeking.

Rituals are the glue that holds the school family together.

What are your classroom rituals?

All behavior is purposeful.

How did you feel as you were trying to make your connection.

Leave plenty of time for reflection on this.

Musical showing examples of a day in a Conscious Discipline classroom.

Saying goodbye after this. Use the energy stick.

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L8b5p8rDNA