On September 1, 2004, staff members of both Meadowlark Elementary School and Buena Vista Spanish Immersion Elementary School had an opportunity to share with each other what they have learned over the past school year regarding teaching with the brain in mind. Various groups of staff members have attended a variety of training events, as well as done some study on their own, and this was their first opportunity to share what they have learned with each other, and discuss how the learning strategies can be used in their classrooms.

Principal B.J. reviews the brain related trainings various staff members have attended.

A list of "teaser" statements from brain training was handed out for brainstorming (see list below*).

The two schools mixed staff members to share ideas and possible applications.

	* Accurate Timely Feedback Check for understanding in a variety of ways and with much frequency Use color to help boost attention and recall Use positive suggestion by reminding students they are smart, special and able to achieve Use Peer feedback Give periodic feedback as a project is on going Give group feedback and have them talk about the comments Use mini-conferences Have students evaluate self
	Safe Healthy Environment Learners need to feel comfortable, physically, socially and emotionally. Establish rituals to m ake learning familiar and fun Incorporate stretch breaks, group cheers, all with music accompaniment Appreciate the students, making them connected and interested Hold class celebrations to spark emotions Use rituals Proper nutrition and hydrations is important to the brain and body Oxygen is necessary for brain fuctioning. Give students access to fresh air at least once an hour. Natural light and being able to hear are key for a productive classroom. Temperature range of 68-72 is optimal.
	Active/Meaningful Learning Preview materials or concepts to plant the seed of curiosity Learn about the students likes and dislikes and about their background Provide for dialogue and reflection Provide social interaction Connect learning to particular situations Use a wide variety of peripherals - colorful [osters, handouts, overheads, decoratons that change every 2-4 weeks Give students an overview of what they will be learning to give big picture of what they are going to be learning Encourage students to demonstrate whaat they know raphically, in writing and orally Use stories and real life examples Provide opportunity for self discovery and unstructured learning
	Stimulating, Varied Input Use sensory stimulatiojn: visual, auditory and kinesthetic pathways to the brain to increase alertness and memory Use movement, color and music Fresh air, sunlight and a chnage of scenery stimulates learning Incorporate manipulatives Change the location/seats where students sit Include vivid stories and sensory experiences to move information into long term memory Use varied strategies Tap student emotions Provide consistent closing ritual

Then staff members found someone in their school to share their findings.

So now that we have all these ideas...

What will we plan to implement, when & where?