This lesson from Focused Kids is how I, an early childhood expert and educator, teach my students (ages 2-6) the science of how their brain develops. I love this lesson because it makes a complicated subject accessible and fun through the use of storytelling and props. Free printables are available to download for the lesson!
The Lesson (adapted from Focused Kids)
The brain is a pinkish-grayish, squiggly-jiggly blob that sits in your head. Believe it or not, your brain is in charge of your entire body — like the body’s boss. Your brain controls everything you do, including automatic functions like breathing and digesting food, movements like running and scratching your nose, emotions like being happy or grumpy, and processing sensory information like hearing and tasting.
We are going to learn about two important parts of your brain, starting with your amygdala, which we like to represent as a Guard Dog. The Guard Dog is loud and active. Its job is to keep you safe, and it is also very curious. It is full grown when you are born and is often in charge until you are 4 or 5 years old.
With the puppet: “HELLO! My name is Guard Dog. My brain name is a funny word: amygdala. I have a huge job: to keep you safe. When you are scared, or sad, or angry, or hungry, or tired, I BARK to let you and everyone else know that you need help. I am also in charge of curiosity. Curiosity is a great thing because you get to learn new stuff, but it can be distracting.”
Luckily, the Guard Dog has the prefrontal cortex, or the Wise Owl, to keep it out of trouble. Wise Owl is quiet, focused, and calm. Its job is to pay attention, learn, and solve problems. It grows rapidly when you are 0-5 years old, and is done developing when you are around 25-30.
With the puppet: Have the owl puppet start by sleeping. Ask the owl to please wake up and help you. When he wakes, he says, ”Good morning! My name is Wise Owl, and my brain name is a huge word: prefrontal cortex. My job is to learn, solve problems, and help you understand what you are feeling. It’s a big job.”
I usually follow up the explanation with some skits. The Guard Dog will experience hunger and exclaim, “I’m so hungry, I want to eat a whole pizza!” The Wise Owl will advise, “You will get a stomach ache. Start with one slice.” The Guard Dog will experience anger and BARK, “I’m so mad! My friend grabbed my toy! I want to grab it back!” The Wise Owl will say, “Ask, ‘Can I have my toy back?’ instead.” Continue with more scenarios, and invite the children to try the part of the Wise Owl.
Follow-Up
Help your child recognize when they are listening to their “Guard Dog” as opposed to their “Wise Owl.” Using this verbiage depersonalizes any difficult behaviors and empowers children to practice making positive choices.
This lesson is adapted from Focused Kids:
Focused Kids is a great resource for both parents and educators. Learn other techniques and lessons on their website: www.focusedkids.org
Print out copies of the free printable. I invite children to color the dog and owl before cutting them out and taping them to popsicle sticks, creating a simple puppet.
This is so beautifully written to explain about how our brains work! What a wonderful representation of the wise owl and the barking dog.
Candi (Walz) Seil