28th AnnualLearning Symposium

To download this handout go to: www.winston-sa.org/symposium

Friday, January 26, 2018

Thanks to our local sponsors:

Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. will evaluate adolescence (ages 12-25) as a time of great opportunity and vulnerability in brain development. This presentation will focus on adolescent brain development and the use of mindfulness as a tool in and out of the classroom. Audience questions and participation will be welcome.

Disclaimer: Jason Littlefield has indicated he has no relevant financial relationship to disclose.

Presented by: Jason Littlefield, M.Ed.SEL Specialist, Austin ISDExecutive Director, EmpowerED Pathways

Breakout Session

Mindfulness and The Brain

Jason Littlefield, M.Ed.

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 1

Adolescent brain development

A developmental period of great opportunity

and great vulnerability

empowerED pathwaysMission: Empowering educators, youth and

communities by strengthening the neural pathways to peace

and resilience through mindfulness and Social & Emotional

Learning.

Vision: To establish an empowered society of

individuals at peace within themselves and others.

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 2

“If every 8 year old in the world is

taught ___, we will eliminate

violence from the world within

one generation.”

Enhance insightful problem-solving

Cultivate positive attitude to perceived stress

Reduce negative emotions and worrying

Enhance emotional intelligence

Increase focus and sustained attention.Dr. Shanida Nataraja The Blissful Brain: Neuroscience and Proof of the Power of Meditation

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 3

Mindfulness“Paying attention in a particular way;

on purpose,in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

-Jon Kabat-Zinn

Opportunity Vulnerability

Emotional Intensity

Social Engagement

Novelty Seeking

Creative Exploration

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 4

Redecorating vs. Remodeling

Strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on but you keep going anyway.

Challenge

Hopeful

Threat

Awful

OPPORTUNITY VULNERABILITY

Mindfulness quote, message, etc

Emotional IntensityThe teenage world is processed

through the brain’s limbic system and

the amygdala is frequently on alert.

Develop a great zeal for life and

live excitedlyIntense emotions can take

control leading to depression,

anxiety and impulsive

behaviors

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 5

Student Art

Mindfulness quote, message, etc

Social EngagementPeers become an important part of life

This drive can lead to supportive healthy relationships.

Research points to this as the number one indicator of

well-being, longevity and happiness throughout life.

Teens isolated from adults carry out more risk

behaviors than those connected to an adult(s)

Student Art

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 6

Mindfulness quote, message, etc

Novelty SeekingCuriosity about new experiences heightens

New ways of thinking, developing a healthy

sense of adventure and fascination for life in

general begin to develop

Thoughts of sensation seeking and risk taking

can override the thoughts of caution and safety.

Student Art

Mindfulness quote, message, etc

Creative exploration/

Expanded sense of consciousnessConceptual and abstract thinking/reasoning develop and along with

that comes questioning the status quo and innovative ideas

Attitudes and habits of creative, solution focused

consciousness can lead to a fulfilling life into childhood

Searching for the meaning of life can lead to an identity crisis

Overwhelming feelings of lack of purpose/direction

Mindfulness and the Brain: Presented by Jason Littlefield, M.Ed. 1/26/18

28th Annual Learning Symposium 7

Student Art