Lesson 1

After watching the videos on brain architecture, plasticity, and understanding the impact of the environment on a child, I know that I have my work cut out for me as a teacher. Since I teach first grade, many of my students have already suffered or benefitted from the impact their early childhood experiences have had on their brains. They are still young enough, however, that what I do with them in the classroom will have a profound impact on their continued brain development. The brain develops until age 25, so 6 and 7-year-olds are just starting out. Two things I already do are read quality literature to my students and provide a loving, positive classroom environment. It is easy to find a book on YouTube or even use a short video clip for a journal prompt. Sometimes it is frustrating to get all the students to sit and listen to a story. They are not used to sitting and listening. But I persist. I believe something important takes place when I read to them. As far as the classroom environment, I pour on praise. My students are always happy to walk through the door, and my former students still run up to me and give me hugs. I know that positive development happens in their brains as a result of this environment. These two examples will go a long way, but I will continue to look for other ways to help create an environment for optimal brain development in my students.