Brain State Model

The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model

At Hartsfield Elementary, we use the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model to better understand how emotions affect behavior and learning. By recognizing the different brain-body states in ourselves and our students, we can respond in ways that promote safety, connection, and growth.

Conscious Discipline teaches both adults and children practical strategies for managing thoughts, feelings, and actions. As adults model self-regulation, students learn to recognize and regulate their own emotions, allowing them to make thoughtful choices and solve problems effectively.

The Brain State Model helps us understand that children move through three primary states:

• Survival State – A child may feel unsafe or overwhelmed and may respond with physical aggression, withdrawal, or other impulsive behaviors.
• Emotional State – A child may struggle with strong emotions and express frustration through arguing, blaming, or verbal outbursts.
• Executive State – A calm, regulated state where children are able to think clearly, solve problems, make responsible decisions, and engage in meaningful learning.

Our goal is to help every child move toward the Executive State, where learning, cooperation, and healthy relationships flourish.

At Hartsfield, we build our classrooms and school community on the core principles of Safety, Connection, and Problem-Solving. By creating environments where students feel safe and connected, we help them develop the emotional skills they need to succeed both in school and in life.