Editor’s note: The following piece is the seventh and final of a series of articles that examine the Emotional Rooms. In this instalment John Joseph presents some ways to teach students about their Red Rooms.Anyone can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way – this is not easy. – Aristotle

We are the learning species. Born at less than a third of its adult weight, as the young brain grows, behaviour and associated feedback build a template for what is acceptable, and what draws sanctions and consequences. Based on the countless experiences of childhood, kids etch their Red Room incidents firmly into the bulging mass of dendrites that cover the brain’s white matter, and into the almond-like amygdalas buried deep in the temporal lobes. They practice their Red Room behaviour in the relative safety of their families where (hopefully) all is forgiven on a regular basis. 

By John Joseph

John Joseph has an inspiring story to tell. He left school at the age of 14 to undertake an apprenticeship as a solid plasterer. After 11 years of contributing to the family business, he resumed his formal education, graduating with a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Science Education. 

John taught across all year levels before working in teacher education at the University of South Austrailia. In 1998, he formed his own company, Focus Education Austrailia, and has enjoyed phenomenal success as a presenter, writer and coach. In just nine years John has worked with over 350,000 delegates across 16 countries. He has published six books, three CDRoms and over 100 articles. John’s website attracts over 1 million visitors annually. 

Today, John is affectionately known as the Brain Man. He facilitates workshops each year for about 12,000 school students and speaks at national and international conferences for educators, parents and the corporate world. John has featured in hundreds of newspaper articles for his work with kids, parents and teachers.   

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