Lesson Plan
Brain Superheroes Lesson Plan
Students will identify the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus using fun superhero analogies, then demonstrate one way their “Brain Superheroes” help them think, feel, and remember.
By personifying key brain parts as superheroes, students build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and memory skills, supporting social-emotional growth.
Audience
1st Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Superhero analogies, group matching, journaling.
Materials
Brain Superheroes Poster Set, Brain Journal Template, Brain Superheroes Role-Play Cards, Chart Paper and Markers, and Sticky Notes
Prep
Prep Materials
10 minutes
- Print and laminate each page of the Brain Superheroes Poster Set.
- Make one copy of the Brain Journal Template for each student.
- Cut apart the Brain Superheroes Role-Play Cards and sort into 3 piles (one per superhero).
- Prepare Chart Paper: draw three columns labeled Captain Planning (Prefrontal Cortex), Alert Hero (Amygdala), Memory Hero (Hippocampus).
Step 1
Introduction to Brain Heroes
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and display the Brain Superheroes Poster Set.
- Introduce each brain part with its superhero name and function:
- Captain Planning (Prefrontal Cortex): helps us make good choices and solve problems.
- Alert Hero (Amygdala): warns us when we feel scared or excited.
- Memory Hero (Hippocampus): stores our memories and helps us remember.
- Ask volunteers to point to each poster and name the superhero.
Step 2
Superhero Match-Up
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups of 3.
- Give each group a set of Brain Superheroes Role-Play Cards.
- In each group, students take turns drawing a card, matching it to the correct poster column on Chart Paper, and acting out the superhero’s action.
- Teacher circulates, prompts discussion: “Why does Captain Planning need to calm down before deciding?”
- Grouping Strategy: mix skill levels to support peer modeling.
Step 3
Journal Reflection
8 minutes
- Distribute the Brain Journal Template.
- Ask students to draw one Brain Superhero and dictate or write one sentence about how that brain part helps them during the day.
- Provide sentence starters on the board: “My superhero _______ helps me ______.”
- Accommodation: offer one-on-one support or allow drawing only for students needing simplified tasks.
Step 4
Assessment & Closing
7 minutes
- Invite 3–4 volunteers to share their journal page and superhero function.
- Conduct a quick exit ticket: students write or place a Sticky Note under the poster of the superhero they learned most about today.
- Use thumbs-up/thumbs-down: ask, “Does Alert Hero help with feelings?” to check understanding.
- Collect journals or photos of student work as formative assessment.
- Closing Prompt: “Which Brain Superhero will you use when you feel upset or need to remember something?”
Slide Deck
Brain Superheroes
Tier 2, 1st Grade • 30 minutes
Today we’ll learn about three important parts of our brain through fun superhero analogies!
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today they’ll meet three Brain Superheroes who help them think, feel, and remember.
Meet the Brain Heroes
• Captain Planning (Prefrontal Cortex)
– Helps us make good choices and solve problems
• Alert Hero (Amygdala)
– Warns us when we feel scared or excited
• Memory Hero (Hippocampus)
– Stores our memories and helps us remember
Show each poster as you introduce the superhero. Ask a volunteer to point and name each one to check understanding.
Superhero Match-Up
- Divide into groups of 3.
- Use your set of Brain Superheroes Role-Play Cards.
- Take turns drawing a card, matching it to the correct column on the chart:
• Captain Planning
• Alert Hero
• Memory Hero - Act out the superhero’s action when you place the card.
Explain grouping strategy: students in groups of three should mix abilities. Circulate to prompt thinking and support matching.
Journal Reflection
• Take a Brain Journal Template.
• Draw your favorite Brain Superhero.
• Complete this sentence: “My superhero _______ helps me ______.”
• Share with a friend when you finish.
Model the sentence starter on the board before distributing journals. Provide support or allow drawing as needed.
Exit Ticket & Closing
• Place a sticky note under the superhero you learned most about today.
• Thumbs-Up/Thumbs-Down: “Does Alert Hero help with feelings?”
• Closing Prompt: “Which Brain Superhero will you use when you feel upset or need to remember something?”
Collect exit tickets and use thumbs-up/thumbs-down questions to check understanding. Praise efforts and remind students of the closing prompt.
Worksheet
Brain Superheroes Worksheet
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________
Use the posters to help you! (Brain Superheroes Poster Set)
1. Match the Brain Superhero to Its Job
Write the job of each Brain Superhero on the line.
- Captain Planning (Prefrontal Cortex): ____________________________
- Alert Hero (Amygdala): ____________________________
- Memory Hero (Hippocampus): ____________________________
2. Which Superhero?
Read each scenario and circle the Brain Superhero who would help you.
a. You need to decide which game to play at recess.
Captain Planning Alert Hero Memory Hero
b. You hear a loud noise and feel scared.
Captain Planning Alert Hero Memory Hero
c. You want to remember your friend’s birthday.
Captain Planning Alert Hero Memory Hero
3. Finish the Sentence
“My Brain Hero ________________ helps me ________________.”
4. Draw & Tell
Draw your favorite Brain Superhero in the box below:
Then write one way it helps you:
Journal
Brain Superheroes Journal
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________
Use your “Brain Superheroes” knowledge to reflect, draw, and create!
1. My Brain Hero Moment
Think of a time this week when you used one of your Brain Superheroes to solve a problem, stay calm, or remember something important.
Which hero did you use? How did it help you?
2. When Alert Hero Shows Up
Describe a moment when you felt scared, surprised, or excited.
How did your Alert Hero (Amygdala) warn you? What did you do next?
3. Captain Planning in Action
Draw a quick comic strip (3 panels) showing Captain Planning helping you make a good choice:
Panel 1: What’s the situation?
Panel 2: What does Captain Planning say or do?
Panel 3: What choice do you make?
4. Invent a New Brain Hero
Imagine a brand-new Brain Superhero.
Give it a name, draw it, and write its special superpower below.
How would it help you think, feel, or remember?
5. Optional Connection
Look at the Brain Superheroes Poster Set.
Which hero would you thank for helping you in school today? Why?