From Brain Science to Real-Life Application

What does it look like when students take what they know about the brain and use it to help others? That question came to life as our fifth graders stepped into the heart of their project work.

Building on their recent brain science studies, students are now applying their understanding of how the brain interprets, reacts, and sometimes gets it wrong to design tools that help people better understand and manage emotions and relationships. Working in three teams, they are focused on self-awareness (naming feelings), self-regulation (calming tools), and connection (conflict resolution, active listening, and problem-solving). Each team is designing visual teaching tools and co-creating stories that show characters using the strategies, and younger students will soon get to help shape key elements.

Last week, teams presented their prototypes and story drafts to guest experts who support children every day. Riva and Emily joined the self-regulation team, bringing calming tools for students to test. Annette and Coach Rob shared their Peace Talks training and Conflict Corner guidelines with the connection team, and Peta supported the self-awareness team in refining their tools using Zones of Regulation strategies. 

Students listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and immediately began refining their work.

One fifth grader captured the spirit of the project perfectly:

“We have a voice in project work. We made a real impact on the Redwood Grove earlier this year, and now we’re doing something that can help people understand their emotions and relationships. I like knowing our work matters.”

Families are invited to see this important work in action at CLAS on May 15, when fifth graders will present their projects and share the impact of their learning.

#SaklanProjectWork