We have been talking about the Magic 10 method of calming down or changing our mindset when it comes to a tough situation. Feelings are good to have, we all have them. We seem to have two different "animals" that our mind/body has. We have our guard dog and our wise owl. When we get frustrated, start becoming frustrated or angry that is our guard dog. As well our guard dog can come out when we are scared of something; our body has that natural fight or flight instinct to protect itself. When your inner guard dog comes out it is not showing the best side of you. The wise owl is our calm and at peace side. When we are using our wise owl, we are calm, we are happy with our situation and are able to properly handle a conflict or confrontation.
It is not always possible to be a wise owl at all times or a guard dog at all times, but the MAGIC 10 will help us go from the the guard dog to our wise owl in no time. The Magic 10 is a tool that students and even adults can use. This is a calming technique that we already do to stay alive daily.... BREATHING! When we feel our guard dog getting upset or coming out think of the number 10! (that is the "magic" number) You should stop, close your eyes or leave them open (preference), and take 10 deep breaths SLOWLY. That is the key, SLOWLY. (in your nose and out of your mouth 10 times extremely slow) This calms down your guard dog and allows it to realize you are in no danger. This will allow for your wise owl to arrive and handle whatever situation you are in properly. In the classroom with some of my students I will hold up 10 fingers or just say magic 10, guard dog or wise owl and it seems to be working out great for my kiddos here in 4K! :)
It is not always possible to be a wise owl at all times or a guard dog at all times, but the MAGIC 10 will help us go from the the guard dog to our wise owl in no time. The Magic 10 is a tool that students and even adults can use. This is a calming technique that we already do to stay alive daily.... BREATHING! When we feel our guard dog getting upset or coming out think of the number 10! (that is the "magic" number) You should stop, close your eyes or leave them open (preference), and take 10 deep breaths SLOWLY. That is the key, SLOWLY. (in your nose and out of your mouth 10 times extremely slow) This calms down your guard dog and allows it to realize you are in no danger. This will allow for your wise owl to arrive and handle whatever situation you are in properly. In the classroom with some of my students I will hold up 10 fingers or just say magic 10, guard dog or wise owl and it seems to be working out great for my kiddos here in 4K! :)