Brain - Mind Learning

Caine Learning Institute
Brain/Mind Learning

The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids provides cognitive, physical, and affective content with learning experiences based on brain/mind learning. In order to make sense of the vast amount of research that has been generated in fields ranging from clinical psychology and cognitive psychology to biology and neuroscience, a set of twelve Brain/Mind Learning Principles that summarize what is presently known about learning was developed by Geoffrey and Renate Caine (Caines, 2005).

Principle #1: All learning engages the physiology.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids connects the body and the mind using physically active food characters called Fitness Pals. The Fitness Pals are given a food name and illustrated on five colorful posters with a description of the physical activity written underneath. As children are having fun moving with the Fitness Pals, they are learning two important concepts--physical activity and nutrition.

Principle #2: The brain/mind is social.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids encourages belonging, being recognized, and being listened to.

Principle #3: The search for meaning is innate.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids utilizes five 18" x 24" colorful posters with visual illustrations to stimulate children's personal interest , exciting them about making healthy physical activity and nutrition choices.

Principle #4: The search for meaning occurs through patterning.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids identifies five health-related physical fitness components (NASPE, 2005) and uses patterns to organize the activities according to the component to which they belong. Organized structuring of the physical activities makes relating components easier for children. MyPyramid for kids, which appears on one of the posters, also utilizes patterns by organizing foods in the food groups (USDA, 2005).

Principle #5: Emotions are critical to patterning.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids includes emotional experiences by asking children to participate in activities that enable them to experience the emotions of others.

Principle #6: The brain/mind processes parts and wholes simultaneously.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids teaches each component part of health-related physical fitness throughout the lessons in order to help children reach the ultimate goal of wellness. Sequential lesson plans build on previously learned knowledge to help children better understand what health-related physical fitness is, why it is important, and what can be done to prevent health problems from occurring.

Principle #7: Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids utilizes Fitness Pal Posters, Additional Performance Outcomes in the Lesson Plans, Fitness Pal Activity Cards, and a "Move n' with Fitness Pals"�musical CD to deepen children's understanding of the context presented and support learning.

Principle #8: Learning is both conscious and unconscious.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids requires children to consciously attend to two concepts using the Fitness Pals (physical activity and nutrition). For example, the Watermelon Jack Fitness Pal presents the physical activity known as the "jumping jack"� and the fruit known as watermelon. Unconscious processing occurs when a child is eating watermelon and thinks of performing a "jumping jack", or, when the child is performing a jumping jack, they may think of eating watermelon. Time is provided for children to reflect and acknowledge their own learning in the bSAFE bFIT! Manual with Lesson Plans.

Principle #9: here are at least two approaches to memory.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids acknowledges the importance of multiple ways to remember. Rote memorization of previously learned information is used in the beginning of each lesson to enhance memory. An acronym and acrostic device are used to help organize information for memory purposes. The first letter of each of the five components is used to spell "bSAFE: "b" -body Composition, "S" -Strength, "A" -Aerobic Fitenss, "F" -Flexibility, "E"�Endurance). An acrostic sentence was also constructed using the acronym "bSAFE"�"b"�odies "S"�taying "A"�ctive "F"�eel "E"�nergetic. To access dynamic memory, ideas are provided throughout the lessons where learners are engaged naturally as they sift through what they recognize in order to make decisions in new contexts.

Principle #10: Learning is developmental.
The bSAFE bFIT! lesson plans are grouped for ages 2 through Preschool, Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and 3rd through 6th grade.

Principle #11: Complex learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat associated with helplessness and fatigue.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids supports an encouraging and supportive environment.

Principle #12: Each brain is uniquely organized.
The bSAFE bFIT! Program for kids addresses multicultural infusion and inclusion.