Our Ever Changing Brains

“The brain can grow and change in incredible ways when pushed.” (Brock & Hundley, 2016)

Let’s talk about our changing brain. I’ve said it before, we have the ability to change our brains! But how? Let’s look at the science.

Neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, is the brain’s ability to change itself throughout our lives.

Inside of our brains are millions of nerve cells called neurons. When we use our brain to think, or learn something new, electrical signals start firing through a pathway called an axon. These signals are then received by dendrites and sent to the cell body. This process happens again and again, continuing to make new connections between neurons.

Remember this phrase: “Neurons that fire together, wire together” When we learn something new, our brain is working hard to spark signals that eventually wire together to help you remember that thing you learned.

So do you think we should teach our children about the science behind the brain? I say YES!

“Learning about brain plasticity can help students put aside destructive ideas like people are born stupid, average, or smart, and embrace challenge as an integral and natural part of learning.” (Brock & Hundley, 2016)

You’ll be surprised at how much a child will understand AND remember what they’ve learned. Even something as abstract as the brain. When I would teach growth mindset in the classroom, my students would even call me out on it! This one time I had taught about neuroplasicity during morning morning. Later that day during a reading lesson, a student raised their hand just to tell me, “Mrs. Daugherty, we just sparked a new connection between neurons in our brain!” Oh how I miss those moments in teaching.

Helpful Tip: Know when to rest your brain

Our brains are like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it gets. But just like when we exercise our bodies, we have to make sure we rest. Taking care of your body, listening to its needs, and knowing when to take a break will benefit you in the future. We have to do the same thing with our brains.

When working with your child at home, stay involved with their learning. If you start to notice that they are getting distracted or frustrated, take a brain break! Our brain is working hard, it needs a break sometimes to work at its full potential!

Brain boosting activities: Sensory play with play-doh, Yoga, Walking, Cooking or Baking in the kitchen together. Anything that doesn’t involve screens that is relaxing!

Metacognition: Thinking about thinking

Use thinking stems to help your child process their thoughts.

I wonder…

I’m learning…

I’m thinking...

I’m seeing...

I’m feeling...

This reminds me of…

I just learned…

Happy Learning!

Ashley