Is your neurodiverse mind a mystery to you?  How does your brain work?  Together, students will learn about parts of the brain, how the brain controls thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how to unlock the mystery of self-regulation and impulse control using mindfulness tools such as balloon breathing and gratitude.  

During this one-time class, students will participate in an emotions ice breaker.  Students will then learn about different parts of the brain using diagrams and interactive drawing exercises, including the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.  Students will also learn the brain's role in directing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  Students will also be taught how being more aware of our thoughts can help us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Next, students will learn a mindfulness tool called mindful breathing that helps to tame the amygdala.   We will practice a technique called the Balloon Breathing together, which activates the prefrontal cortex in our brain.  When the prefrontal cortex is activated, our bodies are more calm, and we can more easily regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Additionally, students will exercise their prefrontal cortex by solving a puzzle together that helps them review the parts of the brain as well as practice mindful breathing.  Students will have a chance to solve the puzzle and ask any questions about what they’ve learned.

Finally, students will close the session with a gratitude circle, which also activates the prefrontal cortex of the brain and promotes calm, regulation, and impulse control.

This class will incorporate elements of the Brain Talk curriculum, which is designed to teach students about their brains, and how to use critical thinking to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively

*Note:  This class is not intended to provide direct therapy.  Additionally, class recordings will not be shared in the classroom due to copyright restrictions on the Brain Talk videos.