Faculty Feature Darci Cadieux Enhancing Sixth Grade Leadership with Emotional Agility and Neuroplasticity

Stay Curious. Show Up. Be Plastic.

These are three core values of the sixth grade leadership class here at Community School. It may seem pretty simple, and the curriculum has been designed with that intent. Within these contexts, student leaders are given opportunities to flex their emotional agility and demonstrate their neuroplasticity as they continue to hone their individual and collective leadership skills. Emotional Agility is the ability to be with your emotions with curiosity, compassion, and courage. Resources used in sixth grade are largely based on the research of Susan Davis, Ph.D., a psychologist at Harvard University, and Marc Brackett, Ph.D., a professor at Yale University. This is a topic that is gaining attention and momentum as we continue to navigate through life’s uncertainties during this pandemic. Well-being is dependent upon building awareness of self and others. That awareness requires one to STAY CURIOUS and, in return, allows one to fully SHOW UP.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt. It allows for more flexible thinking and better problem solving. By consistently creating new pathways in the brain, research is showing an increase in resilience and grit. Adapting to the challenges that present themselves on a daily basis, without complaint or added resistance, takes patience and practice. That work pays off when experiencing the transition from surviving to thriving. Getting unstuck and embracing change ultimately allows for greater well-being. Therefore, one should also strive to BE PLASTIC.

In class, the sixth graders are learning how well-being factors into leadership. They are increasing their emotional literacy by using a mood meter and applying practical strategies that keep them in the driver’s seat with these emotions. They are learning to lean into any emotion they are experiencing, refrain from labeling it positively or negatively, and allow it to be the teacher that it is intended to be through that feedback. By Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions, our leaders-in-training are becoming better equipped to inspire, motivate, and help change the world around them.

Sixth grade student leaders are also consistently priming their brains to be more flexible by practicing coordination and rhythm exercises that involve a juggling ball, syncopated finger taps, and drinking cups. Each exercise includes mildly stressing the brain to present opportunities to push through the stickiness and form new neural pathways, with the goal of not giving up on a given challenge. Breakthroughs happen when students are able to let go enough to allow their bodies’ natural, automatic intelligence to assist in the task. Oftentimes different parts of the body are asked to perform unique tasks, but finding the necessary synergy is what leads to success. New neural pathways are achieved as a result, and the undeniable mind-body connection is on full display.

Dr. Brackett states, “Emotional skills are the key to unlocking the potential inside each one of us.” They help provide us with a road map in times of uncertainty. One thing we can be certain of is that things change. We all need the flexibility to ensure that we can change too. Dr. Davis reminds us that, “Our values give us the opportunity to live our fullest lives and to be the people we aspire to become in challenging times.” That requires first identifying your values and then committing to them. Inside the leadership notebook of a sixth grader, this (growing) list looks something like:

Stay Curious (Not Judgmental)

Show Up (For Yourself and For Others)

Be Plastic (In Your Mind and Your Body)