Learning List Brain Buffet - Taste and Explore!
Learning List Brain Buffet - Master List
• This list is a reference tool for teachers and students to determine areas of interest or needs for projects and research.
• You will find the same lists for each of the three categories as a "Learning Library" to help organize and archive student work for future access.
HEALTHY LEARNER
1. Brain Basics and Variability (Every brain is unique!)
- Three parts – Hand Model of Brain
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Brain Plasticity (Our brains and minds change constantly)
- Neuro-Myths and Misconceptions
- Brain Development
2. Bio-Habits for Optimal Learning and Wellness
- Sleep and Nutrition
- Gut-Brain Axis
- Exercise and Movement
- Science, Power, and Purpose of Play
- Focused vs. Diffuse (Default) Modes of Thinking
- Brain and Body on Nature
- Creativity and Exploration
- Basic Needs (Glasser, others)
- Supplements and Substances
3. Emotions (Emotions drive learning)
- Self-Regulation/Control
- Self-Awareness
- Stress
- Resilience
- Affective Networks and Reward Pathways
- Humor
4. Social Learning
- Healthy Relationships
- Empathy
- Communication
- Culture
- Collaboration
- Introversion and Extroversion
- Restorative Practices
- Conflict Resolution
- Restorative Practices
- Stories support learning
- Character Traits
- Habits of Mind
5. Awareness and Executive Function/Networks
- Self-Awareness
- Mindful Practices
- Conflict Resolution
- Mindset
- Perception
- Metacognition Skills/Practices
- Attention
- Responsible Decision Making
- Motivation
- Neuroception
- Boredom, Mind Wandering, Modes of Thinking
6. Memory
- Explicit and Implicit Memory Systems
- Short-term memory
- Working memory
- Long-term memory
- Mnemonics (brain hacks for improving memory)
7. Science and Strategies for STRESS
- Positive Psychology and Growing Optimism
- Humor and Play
- Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Strategies
- Movement, Creativity, The Arts
- Autonomy and power of choice
- Neurotransmitters and Reward Pathways
- Mindfulness Practices
- Mindsets and Neuroception
- Reset and Restorative Practices
- Connections to self and others (Relationships)
HEALTHY LEARNING SPACES
1. Student Centered
- Celebration of student work
- Promoting Choice and Voice
- Safe spaces for all students
2. Science of Nature
- Outdoor “classrooms” and “Forest Schools”
- Brains “on nature”
- Plants (real and fake)
- Animals or living creatures/pets
- Bringing the outdoors “IN”
3. Physical Elements and Science of Learning
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Air Quality
- Noise
- Toxins
- Colors
- Organization and Order
4. Promoting Movement, Choice, Engagement
- Flexible Seating
- Standing Desks
- Balance boards, wobble chairs, yoga balls
- Portability and Accessibility
- BRAIN “breaks” or shifts
5. Tools not Toys
- Fidget items
- Physical Therapy Items
- Physical Model of Brain, etc.
HEALTHY CLIMATE and CULTURE
1. Safety
- Physical
- Social - Emotional
- Positive and Supportive Environment
- Rules and Norms Support Values and Practices
- Clean and Healthy Facilities
- Focus on school safety, mental health, trauma informed and fostering resilience
2. Student Centered
- Choice and Voice
- Restorative Practices
- Embedded social and emotional learning and practice
- All students and staff valued, seen, and heard
- Personalized Competency Based Learning
- Challenged and Supported Appropriately
- High Expectations for All
- Mindset that Equity and Diversity Feeds Excellence
3. Relationships and Connectedness
- Respect and Practices to support Diversity
- Positive and Healthy Relationships Taught, Modeled, Practiced
- Connected and Supported Staff
- Effective and Inspiring Leadership
4. Professional Development and Awareness
• Cultural Awareness Shared and Practiced
• Trauma Informed Practices
• Staying current on Mind, Brain, and Education Sciences
• 9R Elements of Effective Instruction **