"The Brain Rules" by John Medina is a Powerful Tool for the Classroom

Before I taught high school social studies, I was a neuroscience researcher. When I came to the classroom I wanted to use what I had learned about the brain with my students. As it turned out, I was given the opportunity to create my own neuroscience-based psychology curriculum and I was thrilled. I would be able to just employ not only what I knew about the brain, but I could actually teach my students why they worked too - from a biological perspective.

I found one resource invaluable to myself and my students: "The Brain Rules" by John Medina. Unlike many popular mainstream brain fads literature that are not based on sound science, Medina's book actually reflected what I'd learn in the field - plus everything he claims is backed up by peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. And the best part? He had lots of free materials available right on his website so I wasn't copying for having to make new materials from my book.  Below you'll find a link to his 12 brain rules (you can download it as a pdf for free) as well as some of my favorite videos that I found to be particularly relevant for teaching. All the videos live right on the Brain Rules website and are free. My psychology students were juniors and seniors and enjoyed Medina's short (1-4 minutes), humorous, and well-explained videos too so I made it part of my curriculum.  I hope you enjoy the resources and they are as useful to you as they always have been for to me and my students.

Link to 12 Brain Rules PDF

Introduction to the "Brian Rules" by Dr. John Medina 

Education 

Memory: Repeat to Remember

Wiring : Every Brain is wired differently

Stress: Stressed brains don't work the same way

Sleep: Sleep well, think well

Exercise: Exercise boosts brain power

You can find all the videos, more information, how to order the book and much more at http://brainrules.net/ .