At Highgate Primary we teach children about their brains and bodies, and how to regulate their feelings.
They learn to recognise and name emotions, to realise when their emotional brain (guard dog) has gone into fight, flight or freeze mode, and how to get their rational (wise owl) brain back in charge, for example, through breathing, exercise, getting into nature, talking to friends, or counting their blessings. Through our Best Me books, we ask children to reflect on who they are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and to set targets for themselves. We give them jobs and responsibilities e.g. as librarians, lunch supervisors and play leaders. And we encourage children to do new things every month, independently, that push them just a little out of their comfort zone. Autonomy, responsibility and challenge make children more confident and grow both their self-esteem and their problem-solving abilities.
