The Brain, Baseball, and Geography

I read a lot about the brain because I find it absolutely fascinating.  I also want my students to learn, so I'm always searching for ways to help them remember what I've taught.

I've found that kids learn best when they get a little bit at a time, frequently, rather than one big lesson all at once, then never to see it again.  (Unfortunately, our present Math program does the latter.)

There's plenty of evidence out there to prove that frequent review and practice is the best way for children to remember what they're learning.

There's also plenty of evidence to prove that connecting the learning to the passions of the children help the learning process as well.

So, what does this have to do with baseball?  Come check out my blog at Elementary Matters to find out!

Illustrating to Build Reading Skills

I often have my students do some illustrating when I want to make sure they really "get" a concept.  It forces them to visualize what they're learning.  Brain research tells us that visualizing helps the memory.  Brain research also tells us that adding an element of fun helps them remember as well... and don't kids love to draw?  Add some classical music in the background, and the brain is more activated! Want to add a little more assurance that the kids are learning?  Let them talk about what they're drawing and why!

Another advantage?  These are great for the sub tub!  Just run off the set and leave it in the emergency sub folder!  Plus, they work for a variety of ages and levels.  (Fifth graders are NOT too old to draw, they love it!)

I have several items in my Teachers Pay Teachers store that involve children illustrating.  Come on over to Elementary Matters to see some of these items that will help make learning permanent!

Of course, any illustrating is enhanced by music.  May I suggest this one?  (Click image for a link to Amazon!)

Seasonal Brain Breaks

Brain research tells us that students need to move.  Experience tells us that students need to move.  Teachers have been working in Brain Breaks for years.  Now there is scientific evidence about how important these brain breaks are!

With little ones, I try to squeeze in frequent brain breaks, and I often try to make these breaks somehow connected to what's going on so the learning continues.

Come on over to Elementary Matters to see how I connect brain breaks to what I'm teaching!

Brain Fitness

I'm a big fan of the brain

Here are some ways I teach the kids to keep their brains fit:

1. Exercise!  Get the oxygen to the brain!  We often do exercises in the classroom.
2. Eat Brain Food!  Sometimes I bring in some healthy snacks for the kids.  (probably not fish or spinach, but maybe some carrots and berries!)
3. Ease stress!  These kids certainly understand what stress it!  I often do some Yoga moves and breathing exercises with them.
4. Listen to Music!  I've got a wide variety of music to play in the classroom, from "party" music, to mellow music for concentration. 

I've listed more ideas on Brain Fitness on my blog at Elementary Matters.  Come on over and check them out!
 

How do you help your students keep their brains fit?

Looking for Some Health Benefits?

You won't believe what I heard about this week that has lots of benefits to your health!  Hint:  it has nothing to do with teaching, but if you really work at it, you can relate it to the brain.  Come on over to Elementary Matters and read about it!

Totally Engaged Students

Are you familiar with Whole Brain Teaching?  WBT is a great way to keep your students totally engaged, using much of what brain research has taught us about how learning happens.  Come on over to Elementary Matters to learn more about Whole Brain Teaching!

Sally

Seven Brain Based Learning Principles

I'm teaching a workshop on Brain Based Learning tomorrow.  As I was going through my notes, I put together 7 key points I wanted to make.  Come on over to Elementary Matters and see those 7 points!Sally

Ten Brain Based Learning Strategies

I posted my second set of ten!  This set is something I'm very passionate about:  Brain Based Learning!  Check out Elementary Matters and find some great ideas that are based on research on the brain! 

Sally