WORKOUT THE BRAIN

Nicole Miles
EDU 417
Professor Joanna Savarese- Levine
May 18, 2015

The brain and whats inside...

In the book, Brain Matters, the author states as we look
at the developing brain, one of the most important
concepts to understand is that of neuroplasticity.
Simple stated, neuroplasticity means that the brain is
shaped not only by its inherited genetic code but also
by the environment (Wolfe, 2010). What does that
mean to us?
The environment that we provide effects the learning of the
child.
We must know what is going on in the inside to provide the
best environment.
We must look at the WHOLE child, not just what we see on the
outside.

WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE?

DOPAMINE
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter is a
substance that transmits a signal from one nerve cell to another,
across a synapse.
Dopamine is responsible for enhancing our pleasure in the
rewards part of the brain and also it helps control the conscious
motor activity.
Deep within the brain there is a cluster of cells called ventral
tegmental and that is where dopamine is made. Dopamine also
has its own pathways from the frontal lobe and the hypothalamus.

SEROTONIN
The feel good neurotransmitter.
Serotonin enhances moods by calming.
This neurotransmitter is linked the depression because of the
production of this substance. It is also linked to memory, sleep,
appetite control, and regulation of body temperature (Wolfe,
2010).
Serotonin is produced in several location throughout the body.
The major one is in the brainstem. It has pathways from there to
the cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. The other areas are
in the intestinal wall and in blood vessels within the body.

ACETYLCHOLINE
The sleepy, memory neurotransmitter.
This substance helps our REM sleep and is involved in our
memory circuit board.
The starting point for this neurotransmitter is just above the
brainstem. It has pathways throughout the brain to help in the
operation of both voluntary and most involuntary muscles.
..acetylcholine plays an important role as a modulator of axon
responses to guidance cues(Xu, 2011).

NOW LETS TALK ABOUT THE

OUTSIDE.
Major influences on learning and neuroplasticity are:

Movement
Sleep
Nutrition
Technology

MOVEMENT
Movement will increase oxygen in the bloodstream.
Movement releases a protein that helps the neural growth and
learning.
Movement impacts neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is the process of
generating new nerve cells.
Cross-lateral movements can be the perfect, simple antidotes for
engaging both sides of the brain to full advantage, and they are
particularly effective for students who are sleepy, overwhelmed,
frustrated, or experiencing a learning block ( Jensen, 2008).

SLEEP
Sleep is the recharging of the body and mind.
During sleep our neural connections are strengthened. It is also
during this time the mind goes through the days knowledge and
sorts it out. Basically allowing short term memories to move to
long term memories.
Lack of sleep leads to alterations in the brain which leads to poor
academic performance and negative performances during daily
activities.
The breakdown of sleep is
REM is for the consolidation of habits and skills
Non REM is for the consolidation of facts and concepts.

NUTRITION
Nutrition provides the proper building blocks for the brain to
create and maintain connections, which is critical for improved
cognition and academic performance (Meeusen, 2014)
The neurotransmitters within our brains are made up of amino
acids and we get those acids by eating foods that are rich in them.
With diets of high saturated fats, learning and memory are
effected.
Recent research has simply verified a very strong link between a
healthy body and a healthy brain (Wolfe, 2010).

TECHNOLOGY
The impact can be either positive or negative.
Positive
If not played too much and the correct type of game it can enhance
cognitive skills
Good hand eye coordination
Could be a release for some

Negative
Violent video games may desensitize children
Too much time being sedentary
Not a lot of person to person time or knowledge on how to behave.
It may interrupt sleep patterns
TIME, CONTENT, STRUCTURE AND MECHANICS!!!!

CONCLUSION
As you can see there are many components that can make or break a great
school day for a child. Teachers need to be aware of who sits in front of them
and help them to become the person they were meant to be. If a teacher knows
a student isnt eating in the morning, bring a snack. Let the children move and
stretch during the day. They cannot learn at their best if they remain in their
seats all day. Show them the fun, healthy, learning technology games. If a child
is having a rough time at home and maybe not sleeping, allow a break for them,
to rejuvenate themselves. As a teacher know what substances are needed to
have a healthy brain and activities to stimulate the presentation of those
substances.
Understanding how the brain works will help teachers teach to their classrooms
better. They will be able to spot weaknesses and know how to strengthen them.
Create your classroom to the best of your abilities. A safe inviting place that
your children will want to come to every morning and will be sad when they
have to leave.

REFERENCES
The Jossey- Bass Reader. (2008). The Brain and Learning. San Francisco, CA:
John Wiley & Sons.
Jensen, E. (2008). Brain-based Learning: The New Paradigm of Teaching.
Thousand Oaks, CA:
Corwin press
Meeusen, R. (2014). Exercise, Nutrition and the Brain. Sports Medicine. 44,
547-56
Wolfe, P. ( 2010). Brain Matters: Translating Research into Classroom
Practice. Alexandria, VA:
ASCD
Xu, Y., Ren, X., Quinn, C.C., & Wadsworth, W.G. (2011). Axon responses to
guidance cues is stimulated by acetylcholine in caehorhabditis elegans.
Genetics, 189(3), 899-906