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Encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone to expand their abilities.
Imagine you are a little bird in a cozy, warm nest. It feels safe, but the whole sky is waiting for you! Did you know that your brain has a 'nest' too?
The Comfort Zone is like your favorite pair of pajamas. It is the place where you do things you are already really good at! This might be eating your favorite cereal, playing a game you know well, or talking to your best friend. In this zone, you feel safe and relaxed. Your brain isn't working very hard here because it already knows exactly what to do. While it feels nice to stay here, we don't learn many new things when we stay in our 'cozy nest' all day.
Quick Check
What is one thing you do every day that feels very easy and safe?
Answer
Answers will vary, such as brushing teeth, playing with a favorite toy, or eating a favorite snack.
1. You see a green vegetable you have never tasted. 2. You feel a little nervous (Comfort Zone says 'No!'). 3. You take one tiny 'mouse bite' (Stepping into the Learning Zone). 4. You realize it tastes okay, and now your Comfort Zone is a little bit bigger!
Quick Check
What happens to your brain when you are in the Learning Zone?
Answer
Your brain grows new connections and gets stronger.
Have you ever felt 'butterflies' in your stomach? That fluttery feeling happens when you are excited and scared at the same time. Scientists call this 'arousal,' but we can call it being Scared-cited! It is your body's way of getting extra energy to try something new. Instead of thinking 'I am afraid,' try saying 'My body is getting ready for an adventure!' When we practice, the thing that was scary becomes part of our new, bigger Comfort Zone.
1. You feel Scared-cited because you might fall. 2. You put on your helmet (Safety first!). 3. You pedal with help from a grown-up. 4. After many days of practice, riding a bike moves from your Learning Zone into your Comfort Zone!
Imagine you want to say 'Hello' to a new student. 1. Identify the feeling: 'I feel butterflies.' 2. Use the Brave Equation: . 3. Take a deep breath and say 'Hi!' 4. You just expanded your Learning Zone to include making new friends!
Where does the most learning happen?
True or False: It is okay to feel a little bit scared when you try something new.
What happens to your Comfort Zone when you practice something new many times?
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the 'Brave Equation.' Can you say it out loud?
Practice Activity
Pick one 'New Thing' to try today. It could be a new fruit, a new way to say hello, or a new drawing!