LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

Teaching Guide

Why do we sometimes struggle when we are learning something new? Scientists have discovered that learning is about creating and strengthening neural pathways in the brain that allow information to transfer between brain cells. The first time a signal crosses from one brain cell to another requires the greatest effort. The first trip is the most difficult, but transfer becomes easier over time. As we continue to apply effort to new challenges, we establish more stable and reliable pathways, until the connection is so strong that information transfer is effortless. (source: here)

1. Ask students to brainstorm why learning something new can be so hard.
2. Show video
3. Ask students to take their piece of paper of crinkle it up into a ball
4. Tell students to open the paper back up
5. Set a 5 minute timer and instruct students to trace every crease in the paper with their marker
6. When the timer goes off ask students what they think the paper represents (answer: their brains when they are learning something new, even if they aren't quite getting it yet)
7. Lead students in a discussion about the positive things that are happening inside the brain when they choose to not give up and continue trying when something is hard.
8. To close: have students tape their "artwork" in a place they will see often (locker, binder, etc...) to remind them to keep trying even if something is hard. The more times you try the more your brain is strengthening and the easier the task will get.