12_Neuroplasticity 3-5

Neurons that fire together, wire together. —Donald Hebb Neuroplasticity At Home Resources Level: Upper Elementary (3-5) Concepts: • Brain Growth • Brain Science • ThoughtsBig Ideas For This LessonWe are capable of learning new concepts, pushing beyond our limits, and even increasing our in-telligence by learning to help our brains grow. This concept is called neuroplasticity. There are tworoot words in the word neuroplasticity: neuro and plastic. Neuro = anything involving the brain.Plastic = something that can be changed. So, neuroplasticity refers to our brain’s ability to change.This is pretty important when it comes to learning; you can actually create new pathways in yourbrain by changing your thoughts and habits. Our brain will literally change its physical structure inresponse to the habits we do, and do not, practice. We are what we repeatedly do. Essential VocabularyNeuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change over time due to the influence of thoughts, behaviors, and experiences.Neuron: Special cells that transfer electro-chemical signals through complicated networks that form the basis of all ofour thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.© 2018 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 1 of 2 All rights reserved.

NEUROPLASTICITY | GRADES 3-5 PracticeHelp your student identify at least one skill that they would like to improve and one habit they would like todevelop or change. Notice how dedicated practice over time supports your youth in creating new habits andlearning new skills. Student Resources• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. (Grades K – 5)• Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (Grades 2 – 4)• Brain Surgery for Beginners and Other Major Operations for Minors: a Scalpel-free Guide to Your Insides by Steve Parker (Grades 4 – 6)• BrainWorks; Neuroscience for Kids (Video) by BrainWorks• How Does Your Brain Work? by Don L. Curry (Grades K – 3)• Neuroscience for Kids Brain Games (Learning Link) by The University of Washington• The Great Brain Book: An Inside Look at the Inside of Your Head by HP Newquist (Grades 5 – 7)• The Human Brain Coloring Book (Activity Book) by Marian C. Diamond Adult Resources• Habit Stacking: 97 Small Life Changes That Take Five Minutes or Less (Book) by S.J. Scott• Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence (Book) by Rick Hanson, Ph.D.• The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (Book) by Norman Doidge, M.D.© 2018 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 2 of 2 All rights reserved.