This weekend I started another episode of Experts on Experts with Daniel Goleman. I can't say enough good things about this episode and am excited to share it with you. Daniel Goleman, Ph D is a two time Pulitzer Prize nominee and author. Dr. Goleman wrote the book, Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional Intelligence is SEL, Social Emotional Learning. Dr. Goleman talks on how all school should include SEL in every part of their school day. He also states that those that already do have SEL are setting their students up for success.
In this podcast Dr. Goleman shares a story of working in a school in Spanish Harlem in New York City. This story occurs at 17:20-19:00. They speak on the tragedies students see and experience in this part of the city. They also talk about how the teachers help the students respond. They talk about Belly Buddies.
Belly Buddies is a great way to teach young children how to take a deep breath. The deep breathing calms the body and brain.
As we continue into the podcast at 19:20-19:57 we have a chance to review some SEL and our Mood Meter (or the idea of the mood meter, it isn't directly named). The idea of a distraction strategy is shared. Dr. Goleman talks about what he calls, the Amygdala hijacks and how to shift thinking to the Prefrontal Cortex. Dr. Goleman shares that the simple act of naming a feeling can distract the Amygdala long enough to allow the Prefrontal Cortex to take back control. Using the Mood Meter daily gives students the language to express emotions when in a state of distress, frustration, anger, etc.
At 24:50-27:09 Dr. Goleman goes on to share another strategy to "Abort Amygdala Hijacks". At this time he shares about Navy Seal training and their controlled breathing which helps calm the body and the brain. Dr. Goleman talks about taking a deep belly breath in and filling the belly, then holding the breath as long as comfortably possible, and lastly releasing the breath very slowly. This is a process completed 6-9 times. This process allows the Prefrontal Cortex to engage in those executive functions such as; focus, attention, and responsible decision making.
I could go on and on with time codes, but lets be honest, I want you to list to it all. Dr. Goleman is amazing to listen to and he introduces his own podcast which focuses on emotional intelligence. I am excited to add this to my list of podcasts to listen to and gather information from to share with all of you.
In this podcast Dr. Goleman talks about a second grade class that every morning takes time to identify feelings. Again, here we are having our Mood Meter reinforced.
If you haven't put a Mood Meter up in your class, please take time to do so this week. Use the last nine weeks of school to build a language of emotions for yourself and your students. Help them disrupt the chaos in their minds and bodies and bring their awareness to the present (mindfulness).
Dr. Goleman also talks about the importance of mindfulness. He shares his own journey and talks about a book he has written regarding the topic. Mindfulness is a great way to pay attention to our own thoughts and feelings to help us control our actions. Establishing this in our students will grow their emotional intelligence.
Another profound topic Dr. Goleman touches on is how our students are (or aren't) connecting with others and how they aren't learning emotional intelligence due to distance learning. Our students need to see our faces and hear our voices. Engage with your students however you can. Take time to get to know your students and let them get to know you. Connect. Build rapport.
Please take some time this week to listen to the podcast and gather information and continue to build your personal mindfulness and SEL and then share it with your students. Dr. Goleman states that IQ is very inflexible, but EQ is flexible. Utilize emotional intelligence to grow a students resilience, determination, and effort. It will pay off in grades and behavior!
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