Students will be able to identify that their brain controls their body and provides a basic example of this connection.
Understanding the brain-body connection helps students gain self-awareness and can empower them to better understand their own actions and feelings. This foundational knowledge supports emotional regulation and body awareness.
Audience
1st and 2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a hands-on activity.
Begin by asking students if they know what part of their body helps them think, learn, and move. - Show the first slide of the Brain-Body Slides and introduce the brain as the "boss" of their body. Explain it helps them think, feel, and move.
Step 2
What Does the Brain Do? (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Go through the next few slides of the Brain-Body Slides, explaining how the brain sends messages to different body parts. - Use simple language and examples (e.g., "Your brain tells your legs to run! Your brain tells your hands to clap!"). Ask students to name other things their brain tells their body to do.
Step 3
Brain-Body Activity (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Introduce the Brain-Body Activity Cards. Explain that students will match a brain "command" to a body "action." Model how to do one match. - Divide students into small groups or pairs and distribute the cards. Circulate to provide support and encourage discussion. - Review the matches as a class, reinforcing the brain-body connection.
Step 4
Brain-Body Movement Game (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Transition to the Brain-Body Movement Game. Explain the rules clearly. - Lead students in playing the game, reinforcing the idea that their brain tells their body how to move. - Observe students for participation and understanding. Provide gentle reminders or assistance as needed. - Conclude by reiterating the main idea: "Your brain is amazing! It helps your body do everything you want it to do!"
Slide Deck
Your Amazing Brain!
It's the boss of your body!
Welcome students. Ask them what they think the brain is for. Introduce the brain as the body's control center.
Brain Messages!
Your brain sends messages to:
Your legs to run!
Your hands to clap!
Your mouth to talk!
Explain that the brain sends messages really fast, like a superhero sending invisible signals. Give simple examples.
Brain and Body Team!
Your brain and body work together!
Your brain tells your body what to do.
Use a simple analogy, like a puppet master, but emphasize that it's your brain controlling your body.
Try It Out!
Wiggle your fingers! Tap your foot! Your brain told you to do that!
Ask students to try moving a part of their body and think about their brain sending the message.
Activity
Brain-Body Activity Cards
Objective: Students will match brain command cards to the correct body action cards, reinforcing the understanding that the brain tells the body what to do.
Instructions:
Cut out all the cards below along the dotted lines.
Mix up the cards and lay them face up on a table or floor.
Students take turns finding a "Brain Command" card and matching it to the "Body Action" card that shows what the brain is telling the body to do.
Brain Command Cards (Cut along dotted lines)
Brain Command
Brain Command
--- Think! ---
--- Move! ---
--- Hear! ---
--- See! ---
--- Feel! ---
--- Speak! ---
Body Action Cards (Cut along dotted lines)
Body Action
Body Action
--- Solve a Puzzle ---
--- Run & Jump! ---
--- Listen to Music ---
--- Look at a Book ---
--- Touch a Soft Toy ---
--- Tell a Story ---
Game
Brain-Body Movement Game
Objective: Students will actively demonstrate the brain-body connection by following movement commands, reinforcing that their brain controls their body.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: None needed!
Instructions:
Introduce the Game: Explain to students that you (the teacher) will be their "brain" for this game. When you say a body part and an action, their body needs to follow the command. For example, if you say "Hands, clap!" students should clap their hands. 2. Play the Game: Call out various simple commands. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed or complexity as students get the hang of it. Examples: * "Feet, stomp!"
"Arms, wave!"
"Head, nod!"
"Fingers, wiggle!"
"Legs, jump!"
Reinforce the Connection: Throughout the game, occasionally ask, "What's telling your body to do that?" (Expected answer: "My brain!") 4. Wrap Up: End the game by having everyone give their brain a gentle pat and say, "Thank you, brain!"
