Page 28 - UNIT 9 Getting Brain Fit_Neat

2a. Teach children the neurobiology of met

& unmet needs, in the moment & over time

Using the units within Section B of our training programme, help children to make sense of what

happens when needs are met well and not met so well.

This knowledge will help children to a) make sense of any struggles and improve self-concept and b) be

better equipped to take control of their brain.

Please also refer to the animations: Brain Best, Danger Brain and The Balance of Life.

When needs DOSE is released Our Executive Function Skills work at their best
are met well

Section B: Understanding the Brain Dopamine
Oxytocin
Serotonin
Endorphins

It is easier to think quickly, remember information, be
flexible, think things through and regulate feelings.

When needs Stress chemicals are released Some things are turned down Some things are turned up
are not met
1 system is turned 3 1 More oxygen is sent to Over time, this can make a difference to how resilient or vulnerable we are to
Our digestive
down Our pre-frontal cortex our lungs and heart
(Which is why we may not feel is turned down (This is to give energy for fight or flight). stressors
like eating when stressed, or
we may overeat). (Which is why it is harder to remember
things, stay calm, be flexible, manage
impulses etc. when stress is high).
Cortiso Our immune system is turned Blood is pumped towards our
organs / away from our limbs
down 3 (This increases our heart rate so we can
fight or flight easily. It also means we
2 (Which is why stressed people are lose less blood if our limbs are attacked).
more vulnerable
to illness).