CLASSROOM Grades 1 - 3 | Week Two | The Guard Dog
Or, Jump To:
Week One - The Owl Week Three - The Hippo Week Four - The Monkey Week Five - The Elephant Week Six - The Dolphin Week Seven - The Panda Bear Week Eight - The Pig
Subject: The Brain’s Radar for Threat - The Amygdala - The Guard Dog
Requirements: You will need internet access and a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing this content. You will need a wired or Bluetooth connection to a speaker to amplify the audio into the classroom. You DO NOT need a screen or projector as each lesson is audio only from your device and requires students to close their eyes and/or focus on their Belly Buddy.
Step One: The DIY Belly Buddy Crafting Project - The Guard Dog
As with last week, it is recommended that the children start this week’s lesson with the activity of making their own “Guard Dog” Belly Buddy. For the Classroom version of this program it is recommended that students draw their belly buddy animal on a sheet of paper. The finished drawing can be placed on the student’s desk and used as a focal point during the meditation. Teachers may choose to tie this drawing activity to Art Education Curriculum Expectations. Drawings can be placed in a duo tang and stored in students’ desks. A favourite tool to assist students with their artwork is Art For Kids Hub
Art for Kids Hub - Art Lessons - How to Draw for Kids
As an alternative to drawing a picture, teachers may choose to have students create the toilet paper roll animal that is used during the bedtime version of the program. Click here for toilet paper animal template.
Step Two: Soundcheck - 30 seconds
Before beginning The Guard Dog Lesson and Meditation, play the Sound Check file below to ensure your speakers are working correctly and that all students can hear the audio effectively.
Step Three: Discuss with Students their success and challenges with last week’s Mindful Job
Last Week’s Mindful Job: Practice Mindful Listening when you wake up and at bedtime.
The following questions may help you prompt the discussion:
Put up your hand if you remembered to practice Mindful Listening at home?
What type of noises did you notice?
Did you discover a favorite time or place to practice Mindful Listening?
What do you notice in your mind and body when you practice Mindful Listening?
Step Four: Play the Guard Dog Lesson & Meditation - 8 minutes
Now that the Sound Check is complete, you will play the Lesson below. Listen and learn with your students!
Step Five: Meditation Reflection - 5+ minutes
Here are some questions to drive follow up discussion. There are no wrong answers!
Was the body scan difficult to do? What made it difficult?
In what part of your body did you notice the most feelings (feet, knees, head, hands)? What feelings/sensations did you notice?
Are there things which cause your brain’s Guard Dog/Amygdala to start barking/triggering? What are the things during your day/week that cause you to become stressed or overwhelmed?
When you are feeling afraid or stressed what feelings/sensations do you notice in your body (tingling in hands, feet; upset belly, red face, heart beating faster)?
When you are stressed or feeling afraid, what kinds of things do you do to help yourself relax and calm the Guard Dog of your brain? (deep breathing, think of something funny or watch something funny, mindful listening, body scan…)
Step Six: Mindful Job
Remind students of this week’s Mindful Job: Practice the Body Scan Meditation. Also, practice paying attention to your brain’s Guard Dog and notice when it has been triggered and is barking.
Step Seven: Daily Meditation - 5 minutes - Various Times During the Week
With the audio lesson complete, you are encouraged to take time during the balance of the week to practice with students the guided meditation/s below. The ‘Daily Meditations’ are in support of each week’s lesson, but you can come back to them as often as you like. Typically they are 3 - 6 minutes each.
These meditations are a useful tool to help settle students after a recess, lunch break, or physical activity.
Step Eight - Additional Activities (Optional)
JOURNAL
Have the students draw a picture of the things that help their brain’s Guard Dog feel peaceful/quiet/calm (laughing, deep breathing, spending time outdoors, mindful listening, a body scan meditation, exercise, listening to music…..).