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Shubert’s Classroom: Brain Smart Start

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Shubert’s Classroom: Brain Smart Start

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How to Use Brain Smart Starts in Shubert’s Classroom

The Conscious Discipline Brain Smart Start of the day consists of four activities: An activity to unite, an activity to connect, an activity to disengage stress and an activity to commit. Each of these activities is based on scientific research about optimal brain function and mind-body states. Together, these activities prime the brain for a day of optimal learning.

1. The activity to unite as a School Family involves everyone doing something together. It builds connection, fosters a sense of safety and releases endorphins.

2. The activity to disengage stress involves deep breathing and stretching. It prepares the brain for learning and turns off the stress response.

3. The activity to connect helps to maintain focused attention and the motivation to learn. It also releases oxytocin, which promotes bonding and reduces aggression.

4. The activity to commit oneself to learning involves affirmations and positive thinking. It produces serotonin, teaches responsibility, promotes mindful attention and develops the prefrontal lobes.

Theses activities can be combined, for example, a School Family chant involving music and movement with a partner would both unite and connect.

Dr. Bailey discusses “Becoming Brain Smart” in Workshop 1 in the NEW 10-session online course, Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Schools and Homes, Chapter 8 of the Creating the School Family book contains specific activities to facilitate the Brain Smart Start, and the “Brain Smart Start Chart” on the School Family Make-N-Take, available as digital downloads as part of our Premium Resource Toolkit, helps you to organize this structure. Several songs support the Brain Smart Start, including “Get Ready” and “Welcome” on It Starts in the Heart, “It’s Brain Smart Time” on Kindness Counts, and “Greetings” on Brain Boogie Boosters.

Video Examples: Brain Smart Starts in Shubert’s Classroom

 

  • Children with Special Needs: Brain Smart Start - "Who Let The Manners Out" Song in Special Needs PreK

  • Children with Special Needs: Brain Smart Start - in Special Needs PreK

  • Younger Children: Brain Smart Start - Good Morning in Spanish

  • Younger Children: The Language of Unity - Conscious Discipline Skills

  • Younger Children: Brain Smart Start - in 2nd Grade

  • Younger Children: Brain Smart Start - in 3rd Grade

  • Younger Children: Brain Smart Start - with Children in ESE

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - Middle School Teacher Playing Ball Toss with Students

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - Middle School Homeroom Start

  • Older Children: Commitments - Principal Helps and Notices Boys Meet Their Homework Commitment

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - in 5th Grade

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - 5th Grade Classroom

  • Older Children: Greetings - Partner greetings in 6th Grade

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - in 6th Grade

  • Older Children: Greetings - Greetings in 6th Grade

  • Older Children: Brain Smart Start - Elementary School-wide

Photo Examples: Brain Smart Starts in Shubert’s Classroom

 

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