Jen.Made

  While schools excel at delivering content—math equations, historical facts, and scientific principles—they often overlook an essential skill: teaching kids how to approach learning. Dr. Huberman and Dr. Sejnowski emphasize the importance of procedural and cognitive learning, two sides of the same coin that are vital for skill development and conceptual understanding. Procedural Learning is about mastering the "how-to"—skills like riding a bike, solving a math problem, or spelling a tricky word. It relies on repetition and practice, building habits that eventually become second nature. Cognitive Learning , on the other hand, involves understanding the "why" behind things. It’s the deep dive into abstract thinking, problem-solving, and connecting ideas. When these approaches are intentionally combined in the classroom, students develop both the confidence to tackle challenges and the resilience to adapt when faced with new ones. The Experiment That Changed Everyth...

  Creating a culture of belonging in the classroom isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for having an environment where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. I was inspired by a strategy discussed in a Huberman Lab podcast on human behavior and connection, I tried an exercise in my 3rd-grade classroom that has had lasting effects. The Survey That Started It All The concept was simple: I created a Google Form asking my students one question, “If you saw someone on campus who needed help, would you help them?” 98% of my students responded with a resounding “yes.” Sharing these results with the class became an important moment. It showed them that, despite any individual bad days or struggles, they were surrounded by peers who were willing to lend a helping hand. This understanding has fostered a profound sense of community. At the beginning of the school year, when establishing routines and expectations, I make it a point to talk about belonging. I refer back to...

  When I first started teaching, social-emotional learning (SEL) felt like a breath of fresh air: finally, a structured way to help kids understand themselves and their emotions. But as the years have gone by, I’ve started to wonder: Are we over-complicating emotions for young kids? Are we inadvertently teaching them to label every worry or sadness as "anxiety" or "depression"? Shouldn't we be grounding SEL in brain health and letting kids in on some basic neuroscience? Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist known for his deep dives into how the brain works, frequently emphasizes the importance of understanding what’s happening in our brains before jumping to conclusions about mental health. And he’s got a point: if kids know their brains are wired to feel nervous before a big test or sad when their best friend moves away, it normalizes these experiences. As Huberman once said, “Stress, in small amounts, is actually beneficial for the brain. It’s how we learn to ...

There’s a new podcast episode on Andrew Huberman’s show that really got me thinking about how we set goals, think about our future, and—let’s be real—teach our kids how to do the same. In this episode, Huberman chats with Ari Wallach about creating your ideal future . Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t third grade a bit early to talk about the future?” But if you listen to what they’re saying, it’s clear that it’s never too early. In fact, it might be the perfect time! Step 1: Teaching Kids to Dream Big—But Also Be Real One of the big ideas from this episode is imagining the future you want and then figuring out how to get there. We talk about what our dreams are—a favorite for third graders. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” gets answers like “astronaut,” “pro basketball player,” or “a baker with a dog bakery” (I loved that one). To kick off this conversation, I read “What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada. It’s the story of a child who has a big idea and learns how...

  Let’s be real for a second: kids can tell when you’re not being yourself. Whether you’re trying to act like the “perfect” teacher or following every lesson plan to a T without leaving room for flexibility, they know. And guess what? It doesn’t help anyone. As a 3rd grade teacher, I’ve learned that authenticity is what makes teaching magical. It’s not about having the best Pinterest classroom or pulling off the most elaborate lesson plans. It’s about being yourself, showing up, and connecting with your students in a genuine way. Because at the end of the day, kids don’t remember the perfect bulletin boards or the fancy anchor charts (even though I do love a good anchor chart). They remember how you made them feel and how you helped them grow. The Power of Vulnerability One thing I’ve come to realize is that students appreciate when teachers are honest with them. I don’t mean you need to share every detail of your personal life, but letting them see that you’re human can go ...

  This year, I have a student teacher in my class, and it’s been a great experience for both of us. It’s reminded me of what really makes a good teacher great. Sure, you can have the perfect lesson plans, know your curriculum inside and out, and have the best classroom management strategies in place. But there’s one thing that can’t be taught in a teacher prep program: enjoying being in the classroom. I’ve realized that the teachers who really leave a mark on their students are the ones who genuinely  enjoy  their time with them. It’s more than just showing up and delivering lessons. It’s about connecting with the kids, joking with them, and showing that you’re having fun being their teacher. Because let’s face it—kids aren’t always going to remember that grammar rule you taught them or that math strategy you drilled into their heads. But they  will  remember how you made them feel. Think back to your favorite teacher. Chances are, it’s not because they explaine...

  If you’ve ever dived into the world of podcasts, especially ones that talk about learning, you’ve probably stumbled upon   The Huberman Lab Podcast . Hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist with a knack for breaking down complex brain science into stuff we can actually understand, it’s like a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in, well, learning. But here’s the thing—his research isn’t just for college students and grown-ups trying to “optimize their productivity.” A lot of what Huberman talks about can be applied to elementary education and parenting, too. Yep, all those brainy insights can actually help our littlest learners. Understanding the Brain and Learning First off, let’s talk about how understanding brain function can transform the way we teach. Huberman digs deep into how the brain works when we learn something new—how pit takes in information, processes it, and stores it. For elementary teachers, this can be a game-changer. Huberman...