Curriculum

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The Brain Talk Curriculum is designed to teach students about their brains, and how to use the executive function capacities of the prefrontal cortex to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively. The curriculum consists of eight units that introduce key components of the brain and build the narrative of neural integration. Each unit of the Brain Talk Curriculum builds upon the previous unit and includes a whiteboard-animated video, along with lesson plans and accompanying materials targeted to early elementary through high school students. An annual subscription to Brain Talk provides access to all units and curriculum materials!

Each unit includes:

  • Whiteboard-animated video
  • Lesson plans, including neurological background for instructors and discussion points for students
  • Video script
  • Student worksheets and activities
  • Glossary with student vocabulary activities
  • Home generalization materials
Curriculum Support Materials

The nuts and bolts of the curriculum: how to use it, curriculum goal bank, Brain Talk vocabulary materials, and archived newsletters.

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Unit 1: Introduction
Introduction

Brain learning starts with an understanding of what the brain does and how that matters in day-to-day life. This unit introduces students to their brains and the process of decision making.

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Unit 2: Meet Mr. Mouse
Meet Mr. Mouse

Impulsive reactions are often driven by seeking pleasure or avoiding discomfort. This unit introduces the origin of seeking and avoiding impulses so students better understand the roots of their reactions.

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Unit 3: Meet Myg
Meet Myg

Avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable is a survival instinct, however this avoiding impulse can sometimes lead to negative consequences when we act before thinking. This unit introduces the amygdala as the brain’s alarm system, and its role in fight, flight, and freeze reactions.

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Unit 4: Meet Buster
Meet Buster

Seeking out things and experiences that seem awesome has helped humans stay alive for generations. Yet this seeking impulse can sometimes lead to problematic reactions when we act before thinking. This unit introduces students to the pleasure-and-reward basal circuit of the brain and its role in grab-and-gulp reactions.

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Unit 5: Meet the Human Brain
Meet the Human Brain

Humans have complex brains that involve communication between the “feeling” and “thinking” regions. This unit shares with students the unique qualities of the human brain, as well as introduces activities for taming impulses.

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Unit 6: Meet Ms. Hipp
Meet Ms. Hipp

Personal memories shape how students respond in emotionally-charged situations, and can also support logical decision-making. This unit introduces the hippocampus as the personal memory center of the brain, and explores its connections with the amygdala and basal structures.

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Unit 7: Meet The Professor
Meet The Professor

The prefrontal cortex allows us to use knowledge from the past in combination with future goals to shape decision-making in the moment. This unit introduces students to this frontal region of the brain and its ability to generate options for mindful responses rather than impulsive reactions.

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Unit 8: Becoming a Decider
Becoming a Decider

Successful decision making relies on pausing impulses and considering options for how to respond. This final unit explores with students how integration between the “feeling brain” and the “thinking brain” leads to thoughtful responding rather than impulse reacting.

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FAQ's
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Brain Talk is a superb new online tool that presents the essence of applied executive function in the most powerful, economic way I've ever seen. I'm in; it's the tool I've been wishing for!
-Carolyn Edwards, M.Ed., Educational Therapist & Director of Turning Point Educational Services

Brain Talk’s video clips are fun for kids and easy for parents, therapists and teachers to pick up and use. As a therapist who supports students with social regulation challenges I am grateful for this innovative, practical and powerful curriculum!
-Elizabeth Sautter, MA, CCC-SLP, Director of Communication Works

Brain Talk turns something that is so complex into something coherent, and it should be a fundamental resource that everyone considers when teaching emotional-regulation, executive functioning, and mindfulness.
-Sahra G., A.S, SLPA

Wow! I love this program! The vocabulary "doer" is such an important word in our class; I have used it so many times since the introduction to remind my students that they need to be in charge of their actions and think before doing.
-Amanda M., 3rd Grade Teacher at St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue, WA

I started using Brain Talk with my fifth graders; not only do they love it, but I love teaching it! As we met for our most recent lesson I heard students saying, "Boy did I have a Myg Moment this weekend!" The students are so excited and engaged!
-Gaila S., Youth Development Director at The Madeleine, Portland, OR

© Hanna Bogen & Carrie Lindemuth • Produced by Executive Function Junction All rights reserved