The right brain teacher (part 1)

Which part of your brain do you use most? Are you more rational than intuitive? Do you look at parts or at wholes?
It is said that . The left hemisphereof the brain is more analytical and rational , it is dominant in language processing , logic and maths while the right hemisphere is in charge of spatial abilities, music processing anf face recognition, It heps us to understand visual images and make sense of what we see. However, both brain's hemispheres are interconnected , they give and receive information form the opposite side so both sides work together all the time to produce one consciosusness.

One of the pillars of education since the Industrial revolution has been  the importance given to logic reasoning and maths. Intelligence was and it is still defined in terms of verbal and mathematical reasoning. So, we've come to the conclusion that rationalist forms of thinking are superior than creaitivty and emotions.
So what happens in the classroom? Do teachers encourage students to use both sides of the brain equally? Do we give importance in class to music, arts and creative expression? In most of the cases we can say , that the emphasis is put on the left side of the brain and everything connected to words and numbers which is fine, but what about other thinking styles?
Howard Gardner a Harvard psychologyst claims that there are multiple types of intelligences, Linguistic, musical, mathematical,spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal (relationships with others), and intra-personal (knowledge and understanding of the self) intelligence. He claims that these types of intelligence have the same importance though some might be “dominant” while others are “dormant.” He also says that we all have different strengths in different intelligences and that education should treat them equally so that all children receive the same opportunities to develop their unique individual abilities.

The Right Brain teacher.
These are just some ideas to incorporate in the classroom to encourage right brain thinking.

• Mind maps

The right brain teacher encourages activities that promote creativity and the use of visual imagery so instead of giving students long pages of information to memorize they can help them make a mind map to summarize key concepts.

• Projects

Art projects are great fun and really motivating for students. If they are in the English class learning the parts of the house and the  furniture, you can give them the task of creating their dream home with different sizes of boxes. Once their home is ready they present it to their teacher and classmates using the linguistic itemes presented and studied in class.

• Group Work

In one of my classes my students prepared a news programme in which they had to prepare the script, think of the name of the programme, arrange the setting and then film it to present it in class. They really enjoyed doing this activity since they were in control of the task and the teacher (me) just helped them with the pronunciation of some words or the grammar.

• Tangrams for fast finishers

Tangrams are puzzles with seven pieces called tans The objective of the puzzle is to form a specific shape (given only an outline) using all the seven pieces. It is said that this game was invented in China during the Song Dinasty.

They are really useful to teach kids about spatial relationships.

• Mandalas

Mandalas are often kaleidescopic images with a centre rotating inward or outward creating a kind of wholeness, A possible activitiy could be to show students a simple mandala for some seconds and then hide the picture. Students should try to memorise what they've just seen and try to reproduce it. Another possibilty could be to give students copies of mandalas and give them free will to colour their mandalas as they want. Then students show their work to the rest of the class and talk about the colours they used, shapes, etc.

It is a good advice to tell our students that we are all unique and we have strenghths and weaknesses. Tell them that you do not expect them to be perfect in all the activities and that the main role of the projects in class are to help them feel free, use their imagination and creativity in order to make their learning process a meaningful experience.

Music and Movement - Instrumental in Language Development

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=601&utm_source=Resource+Center&utm_campaign=6d0492fd0f-Lesson_1_Introduction&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1f71a12f3-6d0492fd0f-300097649

More games in the classroom

The importance of playing in the classroom

The reason why incorporating games in our daily lessons is so important is because during games the control of learning is transfered from the teacher to the students. The protagonist is the student as his or her unique way of learning is the one that is developed.Another reason is that playing and exploration trigger the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a substance that is essential for the growth of cells.What's more, imagination and social play support the development of attention, self control and cooperative learning skills.
In a previous post I mention some of the games I use in my classroom. Today, I'd like to share with you more games that can be beneficial to your students' learning and at the same time you can have a lot of fun! 
1. Line up according to....The game involves groups of students lining up in order, depending on the criteria you choose, whether it's their birthday, height or any number of other options. Explain that they must line up in order using only English to communicate with each other, teams caught cheating will be disqualified from that round. When a team finishes, the person at the front of the line puts their hand up and you walk down the line checking that they are  in the right order.Examples of the teacher's instructions: Line up according to.... your age,  the day they were born, the time you woke up this morning, the  number of brothers and sisters, the number of pets, etc.
2. Car Race: Arrange flash cards in a long line with a starting and a finishing point. The first student throws the dice and moves his/her counter. The student must say the word on the flashcard he/she lands on. If the student makes a mistake, he/she goes back to the his/her previuos place. 
3. Charades: the class can be divided into any number of teams depending on the amount of students the teacher has. The teacher whispers a word to the students who are going to mime the word for their teams. The team who first guesses the word is the winner.
4. Do what I say: The teacher  gives commands to the class to revise vocabulary. For instance....touch something blue....or touch your head, sit down, stand up....This typical TPR activity is a great excercise to charge batteries and get students in the right mood.
5. Musical Chairs: Line up the chairs and place a flashcard on each one. Play some music and have the students walk, hop, jump around the chairs. When the music stops, the students should sit down on a chair and shout out their flash cards. You can also remove a chair and make the student without a chair sit out until the next round. 

6. Get the word now!: Divide students into groups. Assign to each member of the group a number. Place in the middle of the classroom flashcards with the linguistic items you want to revise. The teacher says a number and one of the words in the flashcards. The students with the number assigned by the teacher are the ones who are going to run to the flashcards and get the one the teacher said. The first one to get it gets a point for his/her team.

Repeat please!

Why is repetition so important in the classroom? Just because by repeating information we are strengthening neuron connections. If this new information is not used for a certian period of time this connection deteriorates with time.
Most memories disappear within minutes but those that survive this short period strengthen with time and form part of the long term memory. Long term memories take place between the hypocampus and the cortex until the hypocampus breaks the connection and the memory is fixed in the cortex.
Our brains give us only an approximate view of reality because they mix knowledge with past memories and store them together as one. The way to make long term memory more reliable is to incorporate it gradually and repeat it in timed intervals.
Include variety; When repeating, it is important to change the pitch of your voice, speed, the use of gestures, etc so as to avoid being monotonous.
Repetition is a must when it comes to learning and it is essential for teachers to take the time to review and repeat the new concepts all over again until it is consolidated. All the same, we cannot sleep on the laurels. We should always have in mind the saying that says "If you don't use it, you lose it", that is, bringing back already learned concepts, revise, and repeat is a way to keep them alive in our memory banks.

The importance of exercise for the mind

http://vimeo.com/16335377

Making memory memorable in the classroom

Recalling information is an essential aspect of the learning process. For teachers, it is a real challenge to help students remember information. Luckily, there have been a lot of discoveries about the brain that put some light on how to boost memory.
Human beings are very good at these types of memories:

• Location: we remember where to find essential things.
• Proceedures: we remember how to do things.
• Emotional experiences: we remember these events that caused an emotional impact on us.
• Conditioned responses: we respond to a certain pattern of behaviour in response to a specific stimuli.

Unfortunately, we are not good at recalling facts, figures, words and equations. This type of memory is called Semantic Memory and it is the one we most use to recall information taught at school. The question is...why is it so difficult to recall this type of memory? The answer is just because our survival does not depend on remebering this type of information. 

Semantic memory has also limitations in capacity and time. It is said that an item in working memory usually lasts from 5 to 30 seconds before disappearing or being reactivated.
As a result, here there are some suggestions to make our students memory memorable ...

• If students are reading a story or novel, make them prepare a summary or take down notes after reading one or two pages, otherwise they will forget most of what they've read.
• If they are listening to a lecture, taking down notes it is also important.
• Mind maps are a wonderful summary to highlight the keypoints of what students have just learnt
• Compare and contrast material or regroup material into different categories
• Group discussion
• Turn the learning into a non linguistic representation like a drawing 

 Another type of memory is called Episodic Memory which represents our memory of experiences. One thing is to learn a language and another thing is to experience the language. One thing is to read about China and another one is to actually go to China. The location and the fact of being there trigger the content. This type of memory is much easier to recall, it is used effortless and has unlimited capacity.

The problem with episodic memory is that we tend to  have too many events asociated with the same place. Some practical suggestions  when it comes to learning in the classroom would be:

• Changing classrooms
• Re arranging the furniture
• Going to the playground and do some reading
• Using learning stations inside the classroom

What is dyslexia?

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-dyslexia-kelli-sandman-hurley

Games in the classroom

The use of games is not merely a way of passing the time. Gaming in the classroom can be really useful if we know how to use it and when to use it. As an EFL teacher I consider playing an essential part of my class. I generally use games in the beginning as a warm up or revision of previous lessons and at the end so as to round up what we worked that day in class.

Why games can be so beneficial? 

Motivation:  learners love playing games, and that is because they resonate with them on an emotional level. When students are playing they link that feeling of excitment and joy to the piece of language they are learning or revising. As a result, they remember content more easily and quickly.
As gaming is an activity that ususally involves interacting with others  we can also say that playing can enhance team bonding and connecting with peers.
Games provide one way of helping the learners to experience language rather than studying it.They have to make use of the language in a meaningful way in order to interact with others.
What's more, games allow students to share, do, move, experience, visualize,  and create so they address to all types of intelligences. By playing games we are incorporating all students in our class. I once read in a book that the teacher in the classroom is like a gardener who has to take care of different plants, some plants need lots of water, others need some sunshine and others shade and pruning. If we as teachers, take care of them in the same way, most of them will die sooner or later.

Discipline

It is essential to be strict about the rules of each game so as to avoid a chaotic class with crazy students shouting and yelling. Explain them that though playing a game is fun, they are inside the classroom and so they are expected to follow rules. If you need to stop a class do it by raising your hand instead of shouting. The shouting will raise a lot of tension and it will spoil the game.

Here I mention some of the games that I use in my class. I hope you will find them useful.

• Pass the bomb Game: students sit in a circle and  pass a "bomb" (the bomb could be a ball) while some music is playing in the background. When the music stops, the person who has the ball has to answer a question. It could be a grammar rule, vocabulary, or anything you want to revise or practise.
• The jumping game: pair students with their backs one against the other. They have to jump. When the teacher says stop they have to stick out one of their legs. If  the partners show different legs they have to mention, for instance, as many animals as possible. The student who cannot mention any animal loses and the other gets a point.
• Lost in the fog: this game is great for folloing instructions. Place a number of small objects representing hazardous rocks in an imaginary sea. Students are divided into teams or pairs. One of them is the ship's pilot and the other is the coastguard. The ship pilot must be blindfolded and the coastguard must guide him or her to reach the front of the class which will be "the harbour".
• Listen and draw: the teacher describes a picture and students have to draw what they listen to. First read the description slowly so your students get an idea of what the picture is about. Then,
  read the description again, this time students should start drawing. Read the description as many times as possible. Finally, students compare their pictures with their partners' and with the one the teacher has. Display all the pictures drawn by the learners and display an enlarged copy of the text you have used to describe your picture.
• Listen and act out: the teacher reads a story in which action is involved. While students listen to the story they have to act out.
• Bingo definitions: write a set of words you want to revise on the board. Learners shoud choose four of the words written on the board. Call out definitions of the words in random order. Learners cross out the items they have on their own list.
• Spot the change: a student leaves the classroom. The rest of the class changes something, for instance, they put the bin under the teacher's desk. When the student returns he/she has to guess what has changed. 

I will post more games soon. Do you use games in your class? Which ones? Share your ideas!

The use of mind maps in class

I don't know what happens with your students in your classes but my students do not know how to study. When they study they do it by hard and repeat like parrots the information given without understanding what they are saying. So I think it is time to start teaching them what are the most  effective ways of studying.
In my opinion, mind maps are a helpful tool when it comes to recalling information since they are a visual representation of a pice of information.
The creator of mind mapping is called Tony Buzan  and he is a British psychologyst. He's an expert on the brain, memory, creativity and innovation. 

Why are mind maps so useful?

• Your brain thinks in colours and pictures. If for instance I tell you the word "elephant", you will inmediatley get the image of the animal in your brain.
• Your brain doesn't think in straight lines, that is why writing a list of words to remember vocabulary will not help.
• A mind map connects the main idea to its subtopics. This is a useful way to organize your thinking.

The mind map helps students to:

• Brainstrom a concept and come out with awesome ideas
• Go from a general idea into a more specific one
• Save time
• Revise before an exam
• Have fun

How to make a mind map?

1. Write a word in the middle of a blank sheet of paper that summarizes your subject. Add  a picture in the middle of the page that represents your main topic
2. Draw some curved lines coming out of the main idea. These branches represent the sub topics of your main idea. Write key words for these subtopics and if possible draw a picture for each of them. 
3. From each of these ideas you can add more branches coming out of them. These additional branches are the details.

Music in the classroom

Why music in class?

Integrating music in the classroom can enhance our students' learning experiences in many different ways. The brain learns in patters and music is delivered in patterns too, that is why it is much easier to remeber the ABC in a song than if it is spoken.

Music helps us to coordinate the rhythm of the heart, our breathing, and our brain waves. It contributes to our body  and mind relaxation opening the door for learning.

Music is a powerful tool that can create a warm and exciting environmet in class and can change negative emotions.

The use of music in my class

We can use music for different purposes and at different moments. Here you have some songs I usually use in my classes.... bear in mind that from time to time it will be advisable to change the songs so as not to bore your students!

Opening ritual: when students enter my class they listen to some uplifting songs to get energized like "Eye of the tiger", then we do some brain gym activities to prepare our brains for learning.   

Concentration time: For reading or other activities that require concentration I play some Baroque music, Chopin, Celtic music, new age, etc. Avoid music with lyrics, the ideal is to play instrumental songs.

Closing ritual: Finally, when the class ends I usually play some stimulating songs again like "We are the champions" "I am a believer" "Let the river run" while they put their things away and get ready to go home.

Remember that your class should be like an electrocardiagram, it should have moments of instruction and moments of relax and you can accompany those moments with the appropriate music and rhythm.

In the following links you will find the access to the playlists I use in class with my students. 

Opening Ritual

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgYpI5KqTNI&list=PL85DE272028F261E3

Concentration Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeyQ9Rk9Zvk&list=PLYunnD_nqmi1wDBSm0KZsUStgDLAm0eo2

Closing Ceremony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaKDOYTZbJg&list=PLYunnD_nqmi2Buqwo0rdIxCihyFKcGGr3

Brain GYM exercises!

Movement in the classroom

Movement in the classroom

"Movement is the door to learning" Paul Dennison.

In my opinion making students move in class is very useful to set up the mood for a successful learning. Moving not only oxygenates the brain but it also prepares it for learning. 

Our brain needs oxygen and moving is a fun way of oxygenating it. With these exercises, blood flow to your brain will increase and will help you to be more concentrated and focused on any task. 

There are many simple exercises you can do yourself or with your students before starting any activity. Here are just some ideas:

Cross crawl: stand or sit. You have to touch your left knee with your right elbow and then the other way around. Do this for 2 or 3 minutes.

Brain Buttons: first, with one hand make a massage below the collar bone with your thumb and middle finger. At the same time do the same but with the other hand over the navel. Switch hands. Do this for about 2 minutes.

Ankle Touch: touch your uncle with the opposite hand, to do it more challenging do the same but behind your body.

Energy Yawn: Just massage the junction of your jaws for 2 minutes.

Relaxing Touch: Touch slightly the point above each eye between the hairline and the eyebrow with the fingertips of each hand. Clse your eyes, breathe in and breathe out, do this a couple of times until you feel totally relaxed.

Hope you can apply these exercises to your classes and your own life. Cheers!

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What is essential to the brain for a successful learning?

What are the essential facts we should take into account for a successful learning experience?  What does the brain need to learn successfully? The following truths can help teachers to have an idea of what is necessary to take the most out of our students and develop all their potential.

First of all, let us consider how we can nourish our brains. In order to function properly, our brain needs OXYGEN. Breathing, meditating and doing physical exercise promote brain oxygenation. Breathing exercises help us develop self control which is essential for our students. Being able to control one's impulses at a young age could play into later academic success and social skills.  

Another important aspect to bear in mind is that our brain is made up mainly of WATER, so drinking a good amount of filtered water every single day is indispensable for a good brain functioning. Dehydration can seriously impair learning and affect concentration and memory.

DIET. The brain needs a balanced diet to obtain energy. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins must be present in our meals everyday. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E which is good for brain cognitive functions as well as almonds which improve memory and lower cholesterol levels. 
                                                        

SLEEPING helps to reinforce what we learnt the previous day. What's more, having a nap inmediatley after learning a task seems to improve performance on the task. Lack of sleep can seriously affect cognitive functions.

EMOTIONS often involve memory and memories often involve emotions. POSITIVE EMOTIONS are better remembered than neutral events  so it is essential for our students to associate any piece of learning with a "feeling good" emotion in order to have them stored in the long term memory. 

CONTEXT is of a great importance to help the brain get the most optimal state for learning. The classroom should have elements that make the student feel safe and relaxed. Incorporating soft music, plants, and images can provide the appropriate atmosphere for learning.

All in all, these are some of the main facts I take into account when I teach. Taking advantage of the new discoveries in neuroscience can be of a great help if we want our students to achieve their full potential. 

Have a nice week!

10 Interesting facts about the brain

The human brain is such a wonderful tool we have! I am always amazed at how it works and how much we can achieve if we learn how to use it for our own benefit..... our brain is a miracle in itself.....

These are some interesting facts I learnt about it...... 

1. The human brain has 100 billion neurons.
2. The adult brain continually generates new cells, this is called neurogenesis.
3. The brain is 60% white matter and 40% grey matter.
4. The brain is made up of about 75% of water.
5. There are no pain receptors in the brain.
6. At birth, the brain is almost the same size as an adult brain and contains most of the cells it will have throughout its life.
7. The cerebral cortex which is responsible for our "higher thinking functions" grows thicker as we grow older.
8. Humans have at around 70,000 thoughts a day!
9. It is believed that yawning is a sign that our brain needs more oxygen.
10. During sleep you consolidate all your memories from the day. Brain regions involved in learning the day before are reactivated during sleep.

What other interesting facts do you know about our amazing brain? I am sure there are a lot more!