Flipping Our Lids in 1st grade!

First graders are learning about self-regulation and have started out by learning how our brain responds when we are experiencing strong feelings.  We have met our "Guard Dog" (aka our Amygdala) our "Wise Owl" (aka PreFrontal Cortex - yes, even 1st graders can say this!) and our "Memory Elephant" (aka Hippocampus - another fun one!).  Students can show these parts of the brain using their hands, which is Dan Siegel's model for explaining what happens when we "flip our lids".  When our Guard Dog responds, it sends our Wise Owl flying and we aren't able to make good decisions nor are we able to transfer our learning to our memory keeper, or elephant.  Ask your 1st grader to show you with their fist where these parts of their brain are and what happens when the prefrontal cortex and amgydala are not working closely together.  For more from Dan Siegel, check out this YouTube video that explains the hand model. 

After learning about the brain and how this works, we tested our self-control with a little "Freeze Dance" game!  First graders did a great job listening and controlling their movements and we talked about how self control is important for being good friends and good learners!