A new computer
technology called the Freeze-Framer has been a wonderful addition
for many educators. This technology helps students learn emotional
management tools like Freeze-Frame ® by displaying on a computer
screen their physiological state through a live recording of heart
rhythms. The more ordered the heart rhythms, the more accomplished
is one's practice of the Freeze-Frame tool. Through graphs, charts,
and three colorful games, student progress can be objectively
monitored by reviewing recorded physiological data. A fingertip
pulse sensor, plugged into the back of a computer, records the heart
rhythm data and feeds that information into a software program.
Because it is easy to use, fun, and accurate, educators are finding
this tool very beneficial to reinforce the skill levels of their
children. Their stories are just beginning to stream in but we can
already sense the creativity and innovation that is unfolding.
Comments from Educators :
"It is such a fantastic tool! It is a direct way to see
firsthand what is emotionally happening inside the students. Using
the Freeze-Framer is a way to access their success rate. Some are
doing well. Some are not. We give them a new assessment every 9
weeks to evaluate their effectiveness. The goal is to do better
every time. They love it. They love the competition of competing
with themselves." -Liz Steele, a teacher at Palm Springs Middle
School, Hialeah, FL
"I work with a student population that is not doing well
in school, socially, emotionally and/or academically. My approach is
geared towards making the individual's life easier, through teaching
emotional and learning strategies. A typical scenario: mom and dad
tell their child that he/she has to achieve at least a C+ grade
average. The child then procrastinates in his/her studies. This
avoidance can last for months. In addition, I have kids who
experience emotional overload, uncontrolled impulsive behaviors,
oppositional behavior, or problems regulating themselves. When these
kids get on the Freeze-Framer, something extremely positive happens.
When they start applying Freeze-Frame in one area, it begins to
spill over in others. In general, the kids are able to be aware of
their own internal states, whether it be anxiety or pleasure or
issues of confusion. They begin to know that they have greater
control over their internal states with a simple method they can
use. Even the skeptics begin to feel better about themselves. I have
two or three clients who are around 16 or 17 years old. Initially,
they will say this is a "bunch of garbage." Then I put
them on the Freeze-Framer machine. I ask them, "What is the
feeling when you are around your parents?" Then the heart
rhythms reflect that state. I respond, "Okay, what do you feel
like when you are around your dog?" Again, the heart rhythms
reflect that state. "Great," I say. "What is the
difference? What is going on in your brain, body and heart? What
happens physiologically when you are in that mood? Or what happens
to you when you are taking a test and you are in that mood? Or what
happens to your heart rhythms when you are around your buddies? Does
it make you feel like your heart and brain are connected or are you
feeling competitive and want to fight?" Overall, the use of the
Freeze-Framer has provided for my clients a concrete tool which
facilitates their ability to internally recognize and decrease their
levels of anxiety and stress, thereby increasing their creative
problem-solving skills and overall sense of joy. This reflects in a
decrease in cognitive confusion, a decrease in communication
problems, less sibling fighting, and a better all-around state of
feeling good about themselves. -Madeline Falcone-Mills, MFCC,
Director of The Learning Alliance, San Diego, CA
"A great example is a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD who
first thing every morning wants to get on the Freeze-Framer. The
tool helps him focus more and not get in trouble. When he gets
restless, he Freeze-Frames, usually choosing the image of himself
bicycling down a dirt road in his village as fast as he can. He has
not had many discipline referrals in a year and a half. He is better
able to cope with being in the regular classroom setting."
-Jill Farrell, teacher at San Simon Elementary School, Sells, AZ
"I've been most successful with children when working with just
the heart rhythm data on the screen. This way, I can interpret how
they are doing emotionally by looking at the coherence of waves.
They get immediate feedback. They might be at 100% middle or high
entrainment for a couple of minutes, then the entrainment level
drops off. After that, the students usually become more focused and
try to get their levels back up. These sessions last from 5 to 15
minutes. In our school district, there are a number of kids who have
trouble with writing. They become emotionally upset when they write.
One second grade kid I have trained a number of times is especially
vulnerable to getting upset. He is the biggest concern in the
building because he can easily fly into a rage. Recently, I put the
finger sensor on his left index finger and had him write his name
with his right hand. As expected, there was no struggle at all in
his writing. The next goal is to have him write a piece of poetry
that he likes and pair this good feeling with the writing process.
It will be interesting to see these results. On a personal note, I
have also used the Freeze-Framer at meetings or when I'm on the
phone talking. It is a great way to remind myself to stay focused on
what is really important." -Don Wilson, a school counselor at
Bellingham School District, Bellingham, WA
The effectiveness of this learning tool can be most accredited to
research-validated methods to help students deal with their
increasing inner personal stressors, such as: peer pressure, anger
and hostility, anxiety, depression, risky behaviors and not feeling
understood.
You cannot cram learning skills into students filled with distress.
Students need peace before information downloads. To facilitate this
with our tools and techniques is our strength and foundation for
success
For more information on the Freeze-Framer, please click here:
http://www.heartmath.org/education/ffemehowdoi.html
