What do you think? How do you know?
Our minds have always fascinated us with their capabilities and their mysteries. This three-pound organ is more complex than any other structure we know of, anywhere! Our brains constantly receive and interpret information, managing all of our communication, self-expression, memories, and emotions, and at the same time controlling every aspect of our bodies, nervous systems, and muscles, while somehow also containing the very essence of what we consider to be our selves.
Emotional Intelligence
Wrap your mind around this: studies show that children who learn about the brain’s functions are better able to exercise control over their own behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Learning about their own brains’ abilities at a young age helps teach children self-awareness, builds emotional intelligence, and gives kids a sense of power over their own abilities to make decisions, learn new things, and overcome challenges.
Self-Regulation and Self-Expression
It’s never too soon to cultivate healthy qualities like empathy, curiosity, perspective, and social awareness in your classroom by teaching students that every human being has a unique brain with its own strengths, needs, talents, and abilities. Teaching kids about their brains also reinforces healthy self-regulation, while providing a vocabulary and a set of tools to help children verbalize their thoughts and feelings or ask for what they need.
Check out our coverage of the human brain! These Raz-Plus leveled texts can be great tools for starting conversations about our minds.
My Brain
Level: B
An excellent introduction to the brain for young students, this book helps them understand that their brains are controlling their actions, from talking to sleeping. Detailed photographs and high-frequency words support early emergent readers.
Our Five Senses
Level: H
This book touches on the ways our brains use our five senses to identify the objects around us. Fun photographs and repetitive phrases support early readers.
How Memory Works
Level: Q
This book explains how the brain creates different types of memories, with in-depth explanations of what memory is, the parts of the brain that handle memories, and ideas about how students can improve memory.
The Amazing Brain
Levels: Y, Z1, Z2
This book teaches students about the different parts of the brain, the various functions each part performs, the methods scientists use to learn more about the brain, and how they can best care for their own brains.
Introverts and Extroverts
Level: Z
Different people’s brains process information differently! Extroverts are energized by interacting with others, while alone time energizes introverts. Identifying their brain’s needs can help students lead satisfying and productive lives.
Inside Your Body
Level: M
This book teaches students about the human body, including the brain and nervous system. With detailed drawings, the book also addresses the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and reproductive systems.
Imagine the Beach
Level: D
A great way to introduce younger readers to thinking and talking about using their minds, this book invites them to imagine. Walking them through each sense, the book takes students on a trip to the beach in their minds.
Why We Sleep
Levels: P, S, V
When your body sleeps, your mind keeps working. This book teaches kids about the way sleep affects our brain waves and why our brains need sleep in order to function properly. Interesting photos and facts will engage students.
My Brain
Level: I
Does your body have a boss? Yes, it does: the brain! Entertaining illustrations help give students a clear picture of how the brain actually works in their bodies. Students will love learning all about how their brains are the boss of their bodily systems.
