November - Teaching about RAGE

Teaching children about the RAGE System and emotional regulation

Using diverse media such as brain models, 3D images, diagrams, and videos can deepen their understanding. Additionally, creative activities—like writing plays, poetry, or painting—can help children link their emotions to the physical processes in their bodies. By exploring the chemicals and brain systems involved in the RAGE response, children gain the tools they need to manage their emotions, fostering growth toward emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Teaching the RAGE system using familiar concepts

To make the RAGE system relatable, it can be helpful to explain it in terms of the familiar "Fight, Flight, or Freeze" response. It’s best to teach this when children are calm and their “upstairs brain”—the more rational, thinking part of the brain—is engaged rather than during moments of intense emotion.

Key concepts to explain

1. The Role of the "Downstairs Brain" and Amygdala (uh·mig·duh·luh) in Emotional Responses:

• The amygdalae, two almond-shaped clusters in each hemisphere of the brain, are part of our “downstairs brain.” This region triggers our “Fight, Flight, or Freeze” responses as a natural reaction to perceived danger. When a threat is detected, the brain releases adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body to react quickly.
  

2. Using Dan Siegel's “Hand Model of the Brain” communicate and to Illustrate Reactions:

• You may chose to use Dan Siegel’s hand model of the brain to communicate the way our brain is constructed and show how the downstairs brain “disconnects” from the upstairs brain when the RAGE system is triggered—a process he calls “flipping our lid.”
  

3. Understanding the RAGE System and the Fight Response:

• The RAGE system, responsible for the fight response, originates in the downstairs brain and leads to intense, impulsive reactions to perceived threats. This response may manifest as physical or verbal aggression or other strong behaviours. Emphasising that this reaction is natural helps normalise it while teaching regulation techniques ensures children learn to respond in constructive ways.
  

4. The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System:

The autonomic nervous system has two main functions:

Social defence prepares us to protect ourselves, whether by fighting, fleeing, or freezing.
Social engagement supports feelings of safety and connection with others.

The autonomic nervous system underpins our responses. One half, the Parasympathetic Nervous System, slows the heart rate, promotes relaxation, and balances out the fight or flight response from the other half - the Sympathetic Nervous System, which speeds everything up.

5. Developing Emotional Regulation Skills

• Teaching age-appropriate emotional regulation skills can be a powerful tool for children to manage their downstairs brain responses, autonomic system responses, and the fight response in a safe and healthy way.
  

In-the-Moment Techniques

To help children calm their amygdala, teach them to use deep breathing. A breath, followed by a long, slow exhale, can signal safety to the amygdala, calming the body and autonomic nervous system. Practice these techniques when children are calm so they can access them during stressful times. If a child “flips their lid” or their RAGE system is activated, practice breathing alongside them. Say, “I’m here with you. I’m breathing in... I’m breathing out…” without using too many words, questions, or instructions, which can be overwhelming in the moment.

Developing Regulation Skills Over Time

Teaching regular self-regulation techniques can help children consistently manage their downstairs brain, autonomic nervous system, RAGE system, and fight response. Incorporating self-regulation activities like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or quiet break times throughout the school day helps children understand and control their responses.

Explain the purpose of these techniques, especially how deep breathing activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, which slows the heart rate and promotes relaxation, balancing out the fight or flight response from the Sympathetic Nervous System. Additional calming strategies, such as focusing on counting or finding a quiet, safe space, can further support children’s emotional management skills.

This approach nurtures emotional awareness and resilience, helping children grow into emotionally intelligent and self-aware individuals.