What Specific Actions Can Teachers Take to Create a Brain-Compatible Classroom?

Creating a brain-compatible classroom is simpler than you might think and requires more in the way of innovative thinking and less in costly supplies or equipment.  The truth is, students bring with them to class each day the most important learning tool there is - - their brains.  With stimulation that is appropriate to the class content and age range, there is no limit to what students can learn and achieve.  

So what can teachers do, you ask, to create a brain-engaging environment?  First and foremost, make the environment visually stimulating for you and your class.  Little things like using color handouts, posting colorful visual representations of topics to be covered, and having several different sources of good (non-fluorescent) lighting available in work areas will go a long way to producing active participation and learning.  You and your students should feel energized and ready to work at the start of class each day.

Besides their brains, students bring with them to class their attitudes; that is, their opinions of themselves and what they can achieve.  Teachers need to remember that positive messages and words should be used to facilitate learning as well as to redirect efforts or behavior.  A child's brain is not able to reason until the age of 10 or 12; consequently, that child's attitude / self-worth will largely be what adult authority figures have conveyed through language and actions.  So, teachers should post positive messages throughout the classroom that will empower each child to dream.....to believe that he or she is capable of pursuing any career.  What greater gift is there in the classroom?