Central Lakes Regional Planning Team

Dual Credit Tool Kit: Developing Relationships

Dual Credit Tool Kit: Developing Relationships

The brain functions implicated in all dysfunctional

childhood and adult behaviours:Impulse controlSocial awarenessAttention to what is appropriateEmotional self-regulation

Based on research done by Gabor Mate M.D.

Recognizing the consequences of impaired attachments/relationships

The brain’s three core defences against vulnerability

and their implications to mental illness:

a) Shut-down

b) Detachment (emotional withdrawal, not caring)

c) Dissociation (i.e.. ADHD to psychosis)

Please go to http://drgabormate.com/ to read some very worthy

articles by Gabor Mate M.D. on childhood development,

relationships, addictions, troubled youth, etc.

Important things to know and remember…Relationships are not about love, they are about response and

understanding.

The adolescent brain is still developing

We need to understand ourselves before we can build healthy relationships with others

Youth react to how we are at that moment

Impulse regulation is something we are not born with, and

for many of these students it has not been developed

Sensitive youth are born with that temperament

Important things to know and remember… (cont’d)Stress interferes with attachments and this interferes with

development

We need not focus on the behaviour of the student but our relationship with the child and what may be causing the behaviour

The environment that one grows up in does not only shape their behaviour but the biology of the human brain. (i.e. improper development of incentive/motivation circuit may cause one to feel the need to use nicotine, cocaine, etc) This could be due to their past attachments, relationships, or stress.

They will use whatever substance they may be addicted to in the attempt to solve a problem and achieve one of the following three qualities

i) relieve painii) pleasure/rewardiii) attachment

Building Relationships With the Student and Keeping Them EngagedCreate a safe environmentTell them about yourselfFind out students history…(from the individual

themselves!!)Help students find their passion and gift and work

with itSee each student individuallyFind out what THEY want to learnBuild responsibilityBe flexibleShow empathyAsk about their interests outside of schoolMake gratitude a part of their everyday livesCelebrate heroes

Before you can get to know anything about your students, they need to get to know themselves…

Try using some of the of the following tools with yourstudents to help them to discover who they are and howthey learn and communicate best

Attitude InventoryValues SurveySkills and InterestsMultiple Intelligences Assessment My Temperaments AssessmentMy Learning Style Questionnaire

Other great resources in the tool box to use to “Get To

Know” and/or “Build Relationships” with/and amongst

your students…

Introductory Journal #1Field Trip/Guest Speaker Ideas