"Brain Digestion" in the Shower
My best ideas come to me in the shower.
I can be working on an essay all day long. Sitting at the computer, poring over readings, seemingly absorbed in the task at hand -only to have written a couple of hundred words. Sometimes I am literally clawing at my skull, trying to get something coherent down from all the information I have gathered. Then I have a shower.
As the hot water pours down over me, something magical happens. My mind empties, I relax. then BOOM! Suddenly it all makes sense, Everything I have been jamming into my mind untwists and makes perfect sense. I can get back onto the computer and type my little heart out.
It has taken me a long time to realise that this is how I learn best. When I was a child, I would shut down when it got too much. I would switch my brain off when I was overwhelmed with information, unable to pack anymore in there. This was frustrating and made me feel like I was stupid for not "getting it" straight away. Fast forward to University... Now when I am feeling overwhelmed, I know that my brain just needs time to digest the all that information and when I have a chance to mull it over, it will all make sense. I try not to shut down and switch off (which can be really hard!), but I don't get as frustrated and know I'm certainly not stupid.
So how can we cater for kids in our classes like me?
How can we give them time for their brains to digest information?
As I see it, this digestion, is more complex, and yet more simple then just a "brain break". We might send the kids out for a run, stop for a snack etc. in between transitions. In those situations, I know my brain is certainly getting just that, a break. But how can we get the digestion happening?
I happened upon this article that Mind Shift had published on their website from the book “Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom” by Patricia A. Jennings.
It perfectly encapsulates how we can use intentional "pauses" throughout the day that to get this digestion happening. To me, this makes perfect sense!
A highlight from the article for me is 'wait time' after asking a question. The huge difference that it can make by simply waiting a few more seconds before calling upon students for answers. I have heard of teachers who use no hands-up (I can't wait to try it!). As I understand it, you ask a question, pause (5 second wait time), then let them share with one another, and then call upon random students for their ideas. Theoretically, this should give enough time for thinking, and those who are stumped have a chance to hear other people's ideas, so anyone can answer the question.
I would also be interested in how 'mindful' tasks could be incorporated to promote brain digestion... kind of the equivalent to my shower. A purposeful time for students to relax and empty their minds for the information to untwist. Perhaps quiet colouring-in or zentangle drawing for five minutes? It might work for some and not others.
I feel I need to do some more exploring in this area! Interested to hear your ideas too.
I can be working on an essay all day long. Sitting at the computer, poring over readings, seemingly absorbed in the task at hand -only to have written a couple of hundred words. Sometimes I am literally clawing at my skull, trying to get something coherent down from all the information I have gathered. Then I have a shower.
As the hot water pours down over me, something magical happens. My mind empties, I relax. then BOOM! Suddenly it all makes sense, Everything I have been jamming into my mind untwists and makes perfect sense. I can get back onto the computer and type my little heart out.
It has taken me a long time to realise that this is how I learn best. When I was a child, I would shut down when it got too much. I would switch my brain off when I was overwhelmed with information, unable to pack anymore in there. This was frustrating and made me feel like I was stupid for not "getting it" straight away. Fast forward to University... Now when I am feeling overwhelmed, I know that my brain just needs time to digest the all that information and when I have a chance to mull it over, it will all make sense. I try not to shut down and switch off (which can be really hard!), but I don't get as frustrated and know I'm certainly not stupid.
So how can we cater for kids in our classes like me?
How can we give them time for their brains to digest information?
As I see it, this digestion, is more complex, and yet more simple then just a "brain break". We might send the kids out for a run, stop for a snack etc. in between transitions. In those situations, I know my brain is certainly getting just that, a break. But how can we get the digestion happening?
I happened upon this article that Mind Shift had published on their website from the book “Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom” by Patricia A. Jennings.
It perfectly encapsulates how we can use intentional "pauses" throughout the day that to get this digestion happening. To me, this makes perfect sense!
A highlight from the article for me is 'wait time' after asking a question. The huge difference that it can make by simply waiting a few more seconds before calling upon students for answers. I have heard of teachers who use no hands-up (I can't wait to try it!). As I understand it, you ask a question, pause (5 second wait time), then let them share with one another, and then call upon random students for their ideas. Theoretically, this should give enough time for thinking, and those who are stumped have a chance to hear other people's ideas, so anyone can answer the question.
I would also be interested in how 'mindful' tasks could be incorporated to promote brain digestion... kind of the equivalent to my shower. A purposeful time for students to relax and empty their minds for the information to untwist. Perhaps quiet colouring-in or zentangle drawing for five minutes? It might work for some and not others.
I feel I need to do some more exploring in this area! Interested to hear your ideas too.
I love how you write using yourself as the example! I too am a 'digester' - I need time to process, sort, sift, think, re-think, clarify, sort again....I can imagine many of our kids are JUST the same.
ReplyDeleteI did point out to my student teacher the other day how she needs to SLOW DOWN! I can remember as a beginning teacher doing EXACTLY the same - racing through a lesson so they could 'start their work'. I know now (after MANY years) that wait time, think time, share time is SO much more important and valuable than have them start their 'follow-up'! I also use this philosophy in discussions as you otherwise you know the ones who will contribute!
My learners also LOVE having their earphones on and listening to music - something I have had to adjust to as it is not something I do - but learning to adapt to how the learners of today learn, digest, relax etc is also key.
Love reading your posts!
I can totally relate to your student teacher too! Pace is really important for our students, and easy to overlook when starting out.
DeleteInteresting about the earphones. I guess it's pretty important to realise that everyone's "digestion" time might look quite different. I'm like you with the earphones, because I personally find it hard to concentrate with music on. But hey that's what works for some! That is awesome that you are so responsive to your students.