Thursday, July 14, 2011

Growing brain!

Years ago I went to a CAMT conference and saw these little growing brains. Since then, I've had one in my classroom. On the first day of school, I tell the kids that the brain is so small because it hasn't been doing anything over the summer. It hasn't read, solved math problems, it's just been having fun and hanging out...
I put the brain in a clear container and add water to it. I tell them that the water is all the learning we do in first grade. Anytime we are working hard, our brain gets bigger. They are fascinated with that brain in a jar- it's kind of gross-I guess that's why they like it!
Over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, I take the brain out of the water and we talk about how it has gotten smaller over the break. My hope is that they will remember this analogy over the summer break and remember to read! I also use the brain as a reference during the year, "Make sure you're busy so your brain doesn't shrink..." They look over at that brain-in-a-jar and get back to work!
The brain will grow pretty big- it has always grown to touch the sides of this container:
DSCI0845
I’ll post some pictures as our brain gets bigger this fall! Click here to get a growing brain from Amazon.

6 comments:

Randi said...

This is hilarious! I really love it. I am so doing this. Kids are amazing in what they believe and what motivates them. I have yet to find something that my students won't do for ONE Skittle!

Randi said...

I featured this on my blog...I directed everyone to your blog!

Mrs. D said...

I love this idea! Glad I found your blog! I'm your newest follower!

http://thesilverlininginteaching.blogspot.com

mandytaylor said...

There are always a few kids each year that you can tell don't really "get" the brain. I think they think it's real, even though they have seen it shrunk down.

My teammates and I joke that the brain belongs to the "last kid that talked back," but I would never say that to the kids...

Also, it's worth mentioning that I've had this little brain for over 7 years- it just shrinks back up every summer. Definitely worth the money!

Teachermum said...

Cute Idea
Kids always relate more to something physical/tangible.
I can understand why they love it.

I am your newest follower.

Kendra said...

Hi! Just thought I'd let you know that I have chosen you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Stop by my blog and check it out! :-)

Mrs. Geary at Light a Candle