Practical Suggestions From
Teaching With the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen
Reducing Threats and Stress
- Stress contributes to more illness, poor pattern recognition and a weaker memory2
- Approaches for reducing stress
- Manage conditions that can induce it
- Work on threats from outside of class, from other students and from yourself.
- Establish a start of class transition time that allows students to shift gears from the possibly dangerous outside world. This could be physical such as stretching, interpersonal such as a discussion with a small group or partner or personal such as journal writing.
- Learn how to connect with students through listening with curiosity and acknowledgement rather than disconnecting through intimidation or by using communication blocks such as commanding, interrogating, giving advice, threatening, sarcasm, being a know-it-all, psychologizing or placating to name a few. You can influence through a strong connection.Use personal strategies that mediate and release it.
- Teach time management, breathing, the role of down time, relationship skills and getting peer support.
- Physical exercise gets the release of a brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) that enhances neural-communication, elevates mood and assists in long-term memory.
- Help students understand the connections between their actions and the outcome in a supportive, “teachable manner” to support their selection of better choices next time. Provide them with rich experiences of choice.
To continue learning, go to part 3:
https://bridges2understanding.com/how-to-engage-children-in-learning-part-3/
©2014 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the Parenting on the Peninsula magazine. She works with parents of 4 – 25 year-old children. Contact Cynthia at bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com, cynthia@bridges2understanding,com, or 650. 679.8138 to learn more about creating the relationship you want with your children.
