1. Use the body
2. Try new things

Now, we need to add another level of understanding about the brain to understand ELASTICITY. It's called Triune Brain Theory and it was one of the earliest brain theories. It is relevant again today.

Triune Brain theory suggests that there are three distinct levels within the brains structure. Each level has a different core function and needs:

• REPTILIAN Brain
  Your inner animal. The reptilian brain is reactive and primal. It is in charge of your fight or flight responses. This part of the brain is strongly tied to your memory and can make you instantly emotional. In order for learning to occur at a higher level, the basic needs of the reptilian brain must be met. Most importantly, it must feel safe and un-threatened. Without meeting those basic needs, the students thinking will never be able to elevate. This is why bullying, name-calling, ridiculing, sarcasm and mocking can all reduce participation. Those dynamics make people want to fight, flee or hide.
   
• MAMMALIAN Brain
  The mammalian brain is unique to mammals. It harbors our abilities and desires to form communities, care for one another and to nurture. This is where our empathy resides and this brain has enabled mammals to work together to survive and thrive. This brain seeks to add value and be a part of the larger community. This brain responds well to teaming and collaborative opportunities.
  This is why small group sharing and group work is essential. It appeases the mammalian brains desire for connectivity and community. When the mammalian brain is engaged, we can elevate to the next level.
   
• THE NEO-CORTEX
  The Neo-Cortex is the upper/outer layer of the brain. This brain is the least understood. It is massively complex but we do know that this is where our H.O.T.S. (Higher Order Thinking Skills) reside. This brain can perform very complex tasks, compare and contrast, create connections between unattached bits of information and it thirsts for complexity. This brain is what separates us from all other species. It is immensely capable and cannot be engaged until the other two brains have had their needs met.

Working through the layers of the brain creates elasticity. Activities and curriculum that can engage and challenge all levels will have fantastically "sticky" results.