2. Helping Children Understand Anxiety, and Promoting Positive Behaviour

The aim of this course is to use the Actualise Academy Model of Neuroscience, Clinical/Emotional Psychology and Behavioural Science to introduce teachers to the cognitive, emotional and behavioural factors that impact upon both teacher and student anxiety and how this anxiety can contribute to behavioural concerns.

Section 1- The Neuroscience modules of this course outline the brain basis for anxiety and how this influences behaviour. This aspect of the course will also teach the learner about the specific brain areas that are responsible for anxiety, sensory processing and emotional regulation.

Section 2 - Psychological research is shared with the participant in accessible terms enabling the participant to identify the main therapies and supports for anxiety regulation as well as teaching research-based coping mechanisms. This section also introduces the learner to mindfulness techniques that they can use with their students and themselves.

Section 3 - Behavioural approaches to reducing anxiety and promoting positive behaviour supports are introduced in this section with the participant taken through the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support Model and how the use of Functional Behaviour Assessment can help identify the root causes of anxiety and behavioural difficulties. The aim of this section is to give the participants, now equipped with research based neuroscientific and psychological information, the skills to use this knowledge in the school.