12_Neuroplasticity

Neurons that fire together, wire together. —Donald Hebb Stretch and Grow Your Brain At Home Resources Level: Lower Elementary (K-2) Concepts: • Brain Growth • Brain Science • Thoughts Big Ideas For This LessonUsing modern technology, we can measure changes in the brain and observe how it responds tochanges in behavior and environment. Our brain will literally change its physical structure in re-sponse to the habits we do, and do not, practice. We are what we repeatedly do.If we want to improve at something, we practice. This practice leads to measurable changes inthe brain. Our brains can stretch and grow by introducing new thoughts and habits, and requireexercise and struggle to grow just like a muscle. We are capable of learning new concepts, pushingbeyond our limits, and even increasing our intelligence by learning to help our brains grow. Essential Vocabulary Neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change over time due to the influence of thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. Grit: A positive trait based on an individual’s passion for a particular long-term goal or end state.© 2018 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 1 of 2 All rights reserved.

STRETCH AND GROW YOUR BRAIN | GRADES K-2 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 • An A From Miss Keller (Picture Book) by Patricia Polacco• BrainWorks; Neuroscience for Kids (Video) by BrainWorks• How Does Your Brain Work? (Picture Book) by Don L. Curry• Neuroscience for Kids Brain Games (Learning Link) by The University of Washington• The Human Brain Coloring Book (Activity Book) by Marian C. Diamond• The Neuroscience of Good Coaching (Article) by Marshall Moore• The Neuroscience of Happiness (Podcast) by Rick Hanson• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain (Picture Book) by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. 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.© 2017 Empowering Education, Inc. PAGE 2 of 2 All rights reserved.