In the "How Your Brain Works" lesson, students will embark on an engaging introduction to the brain. The lesson starts with a fun song that introduces the three main parts of the brain, followed by a hands-on demonstration using Dr. Siegel's hand brain model. After reading "Brian the Brain: Head Space," students will participate in an interactive game to explore brain functions. The song will be revisited, reinforcing the names of the cerebellum, cerebrum, and brain stem. To enhance sensory learning, students will experience the texture of Jello, simulating what a brain feels like. Finally, the lesson concludes with a creative activity where students draw their own brain and give it a name, fostering both understanding and creativity.

Materials: Brian the Brain Head Space, Jello (if doing sensory activity), paper, pencil

Related Ontario Curriculum: This lesson ties into the Social Emotional Learning Skills as well as Understanding Health Concepts in the Ontario Health Education Curriculum. In this workshop students learn what they need to do to keep their brain functioning, such as healthy eating and sleep. They learn about the brain body connection, and about the importance of keeping the brain healthy.

Description: In this engaging SEL lesson, students will explore the fascinating world of the brain through a variety of interactive activities. The class begins with a warm-up game called "Think, Listen, Touch, See," where students touch different parts of their heads while considering their functions. They will learn about key brain structures, including the limbic system, amygdala, and hippocampus through a reading of the book "Brian the Brain Mind Trip", followed by a fun "Left Brain/Right Brain" game that reinforces the idea of lateralization of brain functions. To deepen their understanding of emotions and memory, students will act out descriptions of the amygdala and hippocampus. A hand brain model will help visualize brain anatomy, and discussions will highlight how practice can strengthen various brain functions, particularly in skills like listening and attention. The lesson concludes with a creative coloring activity where students label the parts of the brain, reinforcing their learning in a fun and memorable way. By the end of the session, students will have a clearer understanding of brain functions and practical strategies for enhancing their cognitive skills.

Materials: Brian the Brain Mind Trip, coloring sheets of the brain, markers or crayons

Related Ontario Curriculum: This lesson ties into the Social Emotional Learning Skills as well as Understanding Health Concepts in the Ontario Health Education Curriculum. In this workshop students learn to recognize sources of stress in the brain, and coping skills to manage the stress. In this workshop students practice coping techniques such as breathing to help them calm down.

In this engaging lesson on growth mindset, students will begin with a warm-up discussion, sharing personal experiences of challenges they've overcome to build resilience and community. The class will read "Brian the Brain: Mindset Go!" to introduce the concept of growth mindset in an accessible way. Students will then learn about neurons and their functions, followed by a hands-on scribble drawing activity that visually demonstrates how neurons work. An inspirational story about Jody will illustrate the power of perseverance, leading to a discussion on the key factors that contribute to brain plasticity—such as love, support, motivation, and resilience. Finally, students will enjoy a creative activity where they make playdough models of brains, reinforcing their understanding of brain structure and plasticity. By the end of the lesson, students will have a richer appreciation for growth mindset and practical insights into how overcoming difficulties enhances their learning and development.

Materials: playdough, paper, pencil, Brian the Brain Mindset Go!

Related Ontario Curriculum: This lesson ties into the Social Emotional Learning Skills, as well as Understanding Health Concepts in the Ontario Health Education Curriculum. In this workshop students learn about positive motivation and perseverance, and about how to develop a growth mindset when faced with challenges. They also learn how their brain responds and learns from challenges and mistakes.

Learn how to plan and develop your own children’s book story! In this class we will brainstorm how to turn educational content into a fun children’s book. Students will be introduced to planning sheets, and storyboarding templates.