Making Connections with Students that Foster Self-Regulation

 

“How our kids make sense of their young lives is not only about what happens to them but also about how their parents, teachers, and other caregivers respond” (Siegel & Bryson, 2011).

 

“Numerous meta-studies show that self-regulation is more important than IQ when it comes to predicting a child’s ability to do well in school, make healthy friendships and work towards personal goals” (Shanker, 2012).

 

In this workshop you will learn the connection between healthy mental and emotional functioning and the ability to self-regulate and foster self –regulation in students.

 

You will learn to swim “in the river of well-being” by developing:

• A clearer understanding of yourself, other people, and your life

• An ability to be flexible and adjust when situations change

• An ability to embrace stability and peace by being present

• An appreciation for the self-defeating nature of imposing control

 

Optimal self-regulation demands the ability to stay calm focused and alert.  Working with prey animals such as horses and llamas works only when we are calm, focused and alert. 

 

This workshop combines the experiential practice of :

• Dialogue

• Interaction between four footed prey animals and two footed predator animals (us)

• Perceptual psychology

• Narrative writing