The Brain Game

Brain research that helps teachers play into

the natural rhythms of students brains,
recognize sight as a key player, and
optimize learning for all students with easyto-use strategies.
Erika Galewski * EDUW 694 * February 5, 2016
http://www.buybackworld.com/buybackblog/2015/04/03/train-brain-brain-game-apps/

Can You Switch the Brain On and Off?

The human brain doesnt work like a light
switch. It cant be turned on or off by the flip of
a switch or by the command of the human it
belongs to.
The activity of the brain can vary in its
intensity and capacity throughout the day and
night in sheer electrical activity, chemical
levels, and the types of jobs different structures
can do (Jensen, 2008, p. 23).

Activity and Rest

The brain cannot be

focused on any given
task or process for long
periods of time.

The brain needs to

maintain the natural
rhythm it was designed
to keep.

Activity and rest - or

focus and diffusion
(Jensen, 2008, p. 24).

Timing is Everything
Every two hours, hormones
are released into the
bloodstream
Long term memory is at the
peak in the afternoon

We may be underestimating
the ability of students if we
test them at the wrong times
of day (Jensen, 2008, p. 24).

One of the brains key attentional cycles is about...

90 minutes

16 cycles
in 24 hours where students can be at a high attention level and transition to a low attention level.

With a 6 hour school day, students will go through at least

4 cycles
of high to low attention.

Take it Easy...
At the low end of the
attentional cycle, the
brain receives a
message to take it
easy (Jensen, 2008,
p. 26)
Giving mental breaks
throughout the day
can help increase
productivity of
students.

Learners switch from

right brain to left brain
dominance

16 times a day!
((Jensen, 2008, p.26)

Instructional Strategies to Try Today

Learners who are at the

peak of their right- or -left
hemisphere dominance may
need cross lateral activation to
unstick them. Provide
exercises that encourage limb
movement across the bodys
lateral center can stimulate
both sides of the brain and
energize thinking
(Jensen, 2008, p. 27)

Lets Try 2 Midline

Exercises!

Twist and Touch

Cross and March

Photo Credits: http://teachmama.com/five-activities-crossing-midline-important/

Direct instruction
New content

Mind Mapping
Pair Share
Model Building

Brain Break Activities

Water Break
Stretching, Walking

The Importance of Sight

We remember colors first and content
second.
We remember best the concrete
visuals that we can touch and
manipulate.
Soft, natural lighting is best for
learning.
(Jensen, 2008, p. 56)

(Jensen, 2008, p. 56)

References
Jensen, E. (2008). Brain based learning the new
paradigm of teaching. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
(ISBN: 978-1-4129-6255-1)

http://www.buybackworld.com/buybackblog/2015/04/03/train-brain-brain-game-apps/

QUiz Time
Using Pickler App
www.plickers.com
http://www.buybackworld.com/buybackblog/2015/04/03/train-brain-brain-game-apps/