The Brain and Learning

One of the five books in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit, this practical resource is designed to help young children understand how the brain affects ways we see and interpret the world. The book offers research-driven, practical strategies, resources and lesson plans to support educators and health professionals. Key sections include 'How the brain develops'; 'Dealing with the inner critic' and 'Strategies that can help us manage strong emotions'. A Complete toolkit for teachers and councillors, this book offers: - Easy to follow, and flexible, lesson plans that can be adapted and personalised for use in lessons or smaller groups or 1:1 work - Resources that are linked to the PSHE and Wellbeing curriculum for KS1, KS2 and KS3 - New research, 'Circles for Learning', where the introduction of baby observation into the classroom by a teacher is used to understand and develop self-awareness, skills for learning, relationships, neuroscience and awareness of others - Learning links, learning objectives and reflection questions. This book is an essential resource for practitioners looking to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the children and young people in their care; both now and in the future.

Alison Waterhouse has worked in mainstream, special education and the independent sector for the past 30 years, specialising in working with children with AEN including Mental Health and Wellbeing. She has set up and developed an Independent Therapeutic Special School, developed a role as Teacher in Charge of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Whole School Community and has been an Inclusion Manager and Deputy Head in mainstream schools. She now works as an Independent Educational Consultant for SEN and Wellbeing, is involved in staff training and has her own Educational Psychotherapy practice. Alison works with children who are referred due to difficulties with self-esteem, anger, anxiety, depression and other Mental Health needs as well as children with learning differences. Alison is developing the 'Circles for Learning' Project in schools and has already undertaken a Primary Research Project and is now working on a Secondary Research Project. The resources were put together to support staff with these projects.

Chapter 1 Development of the Brain Chapter 2 How the Brain Works Chapter 3 The Brain and Learning Chapter 4 The Brain and Emotions Chapter 5 How the Brain can Influence our Behaviour Bibliography