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One book that I’ve read that was very impactful was “Teaching with the Brain in Mind” by Eric Jensen. Until I got my book, I didn’t know that there is a 1st and 2nd edition. I would recommend the 2nd edition- it has new information.

There are so many different strategies and suggestions that Jensen has that I really recommend that if you are interested in learning more, that you get the book. I was shocked by what an ‘easy read’ it was! My book now is covered with post-its of all the things I marked. Here are a few that I have been using:

- There is a part of the brain called the hippocampus. I refer to this as the brain’s shopping bag. Just like when you get home, you put away the groceries (or a new pair of shoes or outfit). So, after you have taught a new lesson or students have been working on an activity dealing with new information, give them time to ‘unpack.’ I turn off the lights in my room and have them put their heads down for just a couple of minutes. We then take a restroom break to get up and walk a bit. The kids have really responded to this. When we get back to the room, they are ready for the next thing!

- Having the kids move around to do different activities (stations, read aloud at the carpet, etc.) are things that teachers have been doing for ages, but they are really good for brain activity.

- One of my favorite chapters was about how to prepare children for school. Its starts with baby and goes up to high school. I don’t have my own children, but I have been making all my friends read it. For example, Jensen suggests that children should not play with toys with batteries until they are 4 years old. This got me to thinking about LeapFrog that is designed for young children and supposed to help with their brain development, but they need batteries. Another thing was that teens say and do ‘dumb’ things because of their brain development- they may not really mean to do it, but it happens! (Where was this excuse when I was in high school…ugh).

I accept that I’m a nerd, but I really can’t say enough about this book. If you get a chance to read it (I know that you have SO much extra time on your hands…), please let me know. I would love to discuss what you thought of it and how to impliment it more in the classroom.
-Jenn