Brain Education
 Sketching in Wire |  Wild to AnchorBrain Education and Mindfulness go hand in hand. |
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 Paper Brain AssemblagePre-K Kindergarten Brain Sculpture Collaboration: Part of the Empower Child, Resilient Child Research Project that I did with KU Med's OT Masters Program. |  One Piece at a TimeCutting and Pasting green paper to represent the Prefrontal Cortex, building connection to the "Green Zone" and being ready to learn. |
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 The Green Zone"A place of calm goodness, where you can find treasure." |  Talk to SpidermanOlder students are given the task of naming the different parts of the brain, something that connects to its function. |
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 Pipe cleaner brainsSimple brain models are built to help kids have a tool for thinking and talking about their brains. |  Sensory RichUsing a variety of tactile materials contributes to the "stickiness" of this lesson. |
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 Name It to Tame ItWhen we name our brain regions and learn about how they work, we empower ourselves to have better self-talk. |  Multi-modal LearningThis lesson used video, worksheet, wire sculpture, creative writing and story telling performance. |
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My fascination with the brain began, seemingly late in life, when I was in my late 20's and was discovering cognitive psychology. But, I didn't really get hooked on learning about the brain until I was delving into becoming "Trauma Informed" and read two key books. The Whole Brain Child, by Dan Siegal and Tina Payne Bryson changed my relationship with my self, my parents and my own son. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk awakened me to the nature of my own brain development throughout my experiences with childhood trauma, learning, healing and success.
The first time I made a brain sculpture was with my son at the age of 6 and it was actually his idea. I remember one day after we had built this brain, we had a particularly interesting conversation that I will never forget.
M: You know buddy, when I was a kid, no one taught me about my brain.
B: What!? Why not!?
M: I don't think that they knew that you could or should.
B: Really!? Why not!?
M: Brain Science wasn't very developed back then, I guess.
B: Wow! Did you have cars when you were a kid?
M: Yes, we had cars.
 Brain SculptureBy Beth and Bjorn
Made of wire, pipe cleaners, beads and assorted junk. |  Brain Education EmpowersUnderstanding how the brain works advanced our ability to problem solve on multiple levels. |
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 Mindful ChoicesWasher wrapped in copper wire with central red bead represents the amygdala. Spring at the center is the staircase up to the prefrontal cortex, the pearl of wisdom. The set of keys represent the hippocampus, the memory saver. |
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