The second important ingredient -
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive functioning skills are the building block for the processes we need to live and learn. They are needed for the most basic essential life skills, such as decision making and problem solving to more complex critical thinking and organizational strategies.
The older we get, the more complex a function our brains are prepared for. In my youngest PK learners, placing a vinyl square on the table they are working at reminds them to slow down. I only place one thought process or task at a time in the square. They gradually get used to not grabbing at everything they see as soon as they sit down with me. They recognize this and are proud of their SELF-MONITORING.
For a secondary student, SELF-MONITORING skills have grown. They now include not rushing through a lengthy text, but stopping to check for understanding, note taking etc. along the way.
IN BOTH EXAMPLES ABOVE, THE SELF-MONITORING EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IS A SKILL THAT ENABLES LEARNING TO MINDFULLY MOVE FROM SHORT TERM INTO WORKING MEMORY AND RETRIEVABLE AT LATER TIMES.
After I initially go over the 9 executive functioning skills with students, each lesson I highlight one or two for students to be aware of and reflect on at the end of learning times. We also play some really cool games with them too.
Beyond the ordinary - what picking up a pencil and writing somethin does for the brain...
The physical act of writing is actually a complex neurophysiological process. Just the act of your hand picking up a pencil and writing activates parts of the brain that are involved with memory, sensory processing, motor control and even higher level thinking. According to NIH, "Writing by hand strengthens memory and learning through the encoding effect, where the effort of forming letters improves retention and comprehension. Handwriting not only creates deeper encoding, activates a larger visuomotor network, it also leads to greater involvement of neural circuits." Wow! It requires more neuro processing than just trying to remember or even typing.
With the combination of gratitude and handwriting on your brain... PICK UP A PENCIL AND WRITE A NOTE OF GRATITUDE TO SOMEONE!