React or Respond...Which do you do?

 In the video above we are reminded that our brains want to react rather than respond. We have to actively teach our brains to slow down (do not react), take a mindful pause, and then respond thoughtfully. 

In the video we learn that we can pause and notice what is going on and what we feel. We can take time to name it. Then we create the gap. We create space to think and feel and work out what we want to happen next. Then we choose our move. How do we respond? What do we do next?

Have you ever noticed a student explode their emotions all over you and the class? In turn you may want to react just as large, perhaps you did. Our students do not yet have the skills needed to pause and think. We need to teach them the process. We first need to teach them the process by engaging in the process ourselves.  

All emotions are valid.

All emotions are acceptable.

Sometimes our emotions take control and our behavior become out of control. Out of control behavior is not acceptable.

We need a mindful pause. 

One mindful pause is to Stop, Breathe, Think, and then Choose.

We can also use the acronym STOP.

S: Stop

T: Take a deep breath: This is long slow and sometimes multiple breaths

O: Observe ( what is going on around you and inside of you)

P: Proceed: What helpful choice will make the feeling or situation better?

If we begin to practice STOP or follow the suggestions from our video we will give our brains and bodies time to sync up and make wise choices.

If we begin to practice theses techniques we will become good at them and we will be calm and ready to help our students learn and use the skills.

We need a calm brain before we can have a brain that reasons well. 

I encourage us all to work to STOP and teach our students to do the same.