WARSAW — Students at Eisenhower Elementary School recently had the opportunity to learn about neuroanatomy and how to take care of their brains. Alyssa Brumbaugh’s first grade class hosted Warsaw Community School Corporation’s Social Emotional Learning Coordinator Gina Courtois to share information on the different parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, brainstem and hippocampus.

During the lesson, students were able to discover how emotional responses such as becoming upset can prohibit their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for learning, to shut off. Students also learned focused attention practices to assist in keeping students focused while giving their brains a quick break during transitions.

In a second lesson from Courtois, students were able to dive deeper into the study of the brain through learning about neuroplasticity. After a review of neuroanatomy, students began studying the various changes the brain makes when creating new neuro pathways.

The class learned about the structure of a neuron and then made a model out of pipe cleaners. In addition, students practiced brain intervals and focused attention practices learned during the last lesson.

“Following the lesson, I was approached by an instructional assistant to tell me a student was using a focused attention practice by practicing deep breathing to calm down when he was upset at recess,” said Courtois. “Another student had prompted him to take a deep breath and focus on something else. I was so thrilled to hear that after just two lessons students were feeling the difference, practicing strategies and calming down instead of reacting and becoming more upset. I feel blessed to be in this current position and am excited for August to start working with more students and teachers as we work towards social emotional wellness.”