1: Reboot’s 3 Brains and Whole-Brain Teaching and Learning

Video #1  Reboot’s 3 Brains’ Neuro-Metaphor

All humans share common developmental and daily needs that underpin successful learning and wellbeing. In this video we introduce Reboot’s 3 Brains (Wild, Emotional and Smart) as a simple neuro-metaphor to understand our common needs and their impact on behaviour, engagement and learning. Learners must have their core survival and emotional needs met in order to access the higher order functions of analysis, creativity, language and reason. Founded on the neurophysiology of learning and stress, Reboot’s 7-Step Whole-Brain Teaching and Learning Framework support’s brain-friendly classroom practices. While no learner is the same, as we universally share the 3 Brains and their needs, this approach maximises everyone’s learning potential.

Attachments:

• Activity Sheet
• Reboot’s Whole-Brain Approach – How to Guide
• Reboot’s 7-Step Framework (1 page outline)
• Reboot’s 7-Step Framework Classroom Audit
• Thrive @ Work (adult 3 Brains survey)
• Thrive @ School (primary and secondary 3 Brains survey)

Video #2  Wild Brain, Stress and Learning  

In this video we explore the survival architecture of the brain (brain stem, cerebellum, diencephalon and HPA axis) and the autonomic processes anchored there. The Wild Brain operates instinctively without logic, reason or conscious narrative. It vigilantly monitors our basic survival needs and keep us moving, seeking attachment and safety. When our primary needs for belonging, safety, predictability etc. are met the Wild Brain forms a calm and stable base to the brain. When unmet, the Wild Brain initiates a stress arousal response that threatens the integration of the brain’s structures and functions. Under periods of considerable stress or due to ongoing and unresolved trauma, the stress structures of the Wild Brain progressively hijack higher order functioning and reduce our capacity to learn and relate. An overexercised Wild Brain dysregulates the entire brain and can leave us constantly in hypervigilance, misreading small threats as major challenges to our survival.

Attachments:

• Activity Sheet
• Reboot’s Feeding the Wild Brain – How to Guide
• Signs of Stress Guide

Video #3  Wild Brain, Special Needs and Trauma 

Some people have greater Wild Brain sensitivity and needs than others. Those among us diagnosed with special needs, or living in current or ongoing trauma, changing or chaotic environments may find it harder to manage stress and require additional support. In this video we briefly introduce the concepts of trauma, complex trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences, colonisation, stress and chronic toxic stress and the impact that these have on the brain and its’ integration. We explore the 7 key effects of complex trauma and the impact that these have on relating, learning, behaviour, motivation and sense of self. Using Reboot’s 3 Brain’s lens, we introduce the concept trauma-transformative practice and build an understanding of the importance of addressing unmet developmental and daily needs in age-appropriate ways. If left unresolved, complex trauma’s impact on neuroarchitecture and the related brain dysregulation, behaviours and perception undermine learning potential.

Attachments:

• Activity Sheet
• Addressing the 7 Key Effects of Complex Trauma How to Guide

Video #4  Emotional Brain and the Big 10

In this video we meet the Emotional Brain, a.k.a. the various structures termed the limbic system, including the amygdala, hippocampus and basal ganglia. The Emotional Brain is the seat of our emotional experience, memory formation and our driving motivations toward pleasure and away from pain. All of humanity share the common instinctive need to feel connected and valued, experience empathy and validation and feel good. Positive emotional experiences (the Big 10 emotions) and relationships play a key role in building our resilience and openness to new opportunities and learning. When these core emotional needs are met not met, stress levels rise and threaten the healthy integration of all 3 Brains. When stuck in an Emotional Brain state it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with emotion and negativity, to the point where we feel speechless and lack the ability to think and reason clearly.

Attachments:

• Activity Sheet
• Reboot’s Feeding the Emotional Brain – How to Guide

Video #4   Smart Brain and the Importance of Meaning

In this video we explore the Smart Brain, the cerebrum, the vast outer covering of the brain. Smart Brain structures play a role in conscious thought, attention, perception and awareness, analysis and recall, language and self-control. Our Smart Brain longs for clarity, and to create a sense of purpose and meaning. When stimulus is too challenging or confusing, or we have inadequate language and understanding to comprehend a situation, we lose a sense of control and the stress arousal response is activated. No person can live calmly with a sense of purposelessness or chronic overwhelming challenge. Unfortunately, in the modern realm of systemic inequity and transgenerational trauma, not every family has the language and insight to comprehend the world around us. Smart Brain can be an under-developed and poorly accessed resource. Repetitive processes, visuals and personal narratives help overcome challenges to cognitive organisation. Ideally the 3 Brains are well connected (integrated) and balanced creating the optimum conditions for learning.

Attachments:

• Activity Sheet
• “Feeding” the Smart Brain How to Guide