Brain Fit
The Empowerment Approach focuses on helping young people better understand how their brain ticks. Understanding the ‘why’ behind their behaviour gives young people the information they need to feel and do better.
As part of the curriculum, children are taught the key models and approaches from the Empowerment approach. Starting from Year 3 and up to Year 6, all children are taught about how their brain is built and developed using the Daniel Siegel's 'hand model' of the brain.
They will explore;
- What makes a difference to how our brain is built and shaped through childhood including positive and negative impacts;
- How to reduce stressors and build resilience;
- Neurodifference;
- 5C Needs (physical, emotional, learning)
- Toxic stress and stress responses;
- Feel good chemicals (Daily DOSE) Dopamine, Oxytocin, Seretonin, Endorphins
- Circles of Control;
- Executive Functioning - understanding that part of our brain, the pre-frontal cortex, is in charge of important skills that help us to stop, think, plan and complete.
As children move through the school, they will re-learn aspects of the Empowerment Approach in more detail, depending on their stage of development. Lessons are fun and interactive with children getting involved in hands-on activities such as making their own model of a brain out of play dough, playing games, talking through scenarios and watching video clips.
