From Kallah to the Classroom: What I took away from JECCA Kallah 2025

Mar 5

By Morah Atara, Darling Ducklings

Have you ever had someone walk up behind you unexpectedly, scaring you by complete accident? Maybe you froze, or perhaps you nearly reacted defensively. In that moment, your brain was in the Survival State—a state that makes you feel unsafe, even if only momentarily.

Children also experience this. In fact, there are three brain states they can be in, and problem-solving is nearly impossible in two of them. At the recent Kallah, I attended an enlightening session by Mr. Chazz, a social media influencer, who explained this concept in a way that resonated deeply. The three brain states are:

Survival State – When a child feels unsafe or threatened.
Emotional State – When a child is overwhelmed by feelings.
Executive State – When a child feels safe, supported, and ready to problem-solve.

Only in the Executive State can children effectively learn and apply problem-solving skills. As educators, understanding these states helps us guide children through their emotions, ensuring they feel secure enough to grow and learn. While these concepts are ones we naturally integrate into our teaching, the deeper knowledge I gained at the Kallah has given me even greater clarity in why these methods work.

Children are not born knowing how to self-regulate or solve problems—these are learned skills. With the insights I’ve gained, I feel even more equipped to support your child in developing these essential life skills. Thank you for entrusting me with your incredible children. May we always work together to nurture their growth!