The Why and How

As a check-in tool, the Mindset Map can be a ritual to start the day as a reminder of our learning goals or be used at specific times when Optimum Mindset appears to be absent from a learning environment.

The Mindset Map is designed to help you gain an understanding of how you (and your students) want to feel while learning and explore that next to what else is being felt in a particular moment. It can also help identify the type of self-regulating activity you might need – e.g. an energizer vs. a moment of mindfulness – so we can access our Optimum Mindset.

This tool is based on the fact human beings have the ability to feel and express a broad range of emotions, often more than one at a time. It is also rooted in the principle that simply naming our feelings can unlock our ability to manage those feelings or shift towards other more desirable feelings.

Example Mindset Map

Notice the movement of the line around the circle; it represents the pace of thoughts and/or heart rate when feeling different emotions. The Mindset Map displays both high-energy and low-energy feelings that pull us away from Optimum Mindset.

PRO TIPS

• Using colloquial words or current slang to describe feelings–e.g. scatter-brained, blah, whatevs–personalizes the tool and can help people feel more represented and invested.
• Hang your filled-in map prominently in class and set aside time to ask students to place themselves within the map. You can also refresh words and phrases periodically.

Build Your Own Mindset Map

Notice the movement of the line around the circle; imagine it represents the pace of your thoughts and/or heart rate when feeling different emotions. What emotions do the lines represent to you? Read the words lined up with the peaks and waves. Do they match? Are there other feelings that pull you away from Optimum Mindset? Add them to the circle:

Step-by-Step

Here are a few more details about the different parts of the Mindset Map and how to think about and use them.

IDENTIFY YOUR OPTIMUM MINDSET

Ask yourself or your class how you want to feel when you are in the classroom? What feelings and energy make it easiest for you to learn? Is it calm, alert, revved up?

What would make you feel comfortable asking a question or sharing your thoughts?

Fill in these answers in the yellow circle in the middle of the Mindset Map; this can be done individually or as a whole class activity.

High and low energy feelings

Fill in the right side with high energy feelings that may not be optimum for learning, and fill in the left side with the low energy feelings that are not optimum for learning.

Remember that even positive, welcomed emotions, if they are very high energy, can take us away from our optimum mindset for learning. For example, if you or your student are elated about something, it can be easy to get restless or distracted.

Check-In with your Mindset

Check-in with how you are feeling. Acknowledge your feeling on the map and honor it with a moment of self-regulation to bring you and your students back to Optimum Mindset.

Depending on where you place yourself on the Mindset Map, consider whether an energizing or a calming activity feels appropriate. Perhaps a physical activity to drain off emotion will help you shift. Or, perhaps a breathing exercise will energize and uplift you.

CHOOSE A SELF-REGULATING ACTIVITY

On the following pages, you'll find a handful of breathing, writing, and physical activities designed for self-regulation–and there are countless others!

You can also book time with one of our CIS counselors to learn more about ways to use the Mindset Map for yourself and your students.