Here is a selection of videos and animations about brain development, learning, curiosity, mindset and child development.
The Oxford Brain Story
The brain story toolkit has a series of short animations that will helps to understand more about how brains are built and why our early experiences matter. Watch all of the films here: www.oxfordbrainstory.org/for-fmilies-individuals or click on the individual links below.
How brains are built: introducing The Brain Story
An introduction to the Brain Story, brain development and early childhood experiences including ideas like serve and return.
Video link: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/how-brains-are-built-core-story-of-brain-development
Brain Story Concepts: Brain Architecture
This video explores how the things we experience in the first years of life shape how our brains are built. Healthy, positive interactions between children and caregivers create sturdy brain architecture and a strong base that can support more complex structures later in life.
Video link: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/brain-story-concepts-brain-architecture
Brain Story Concepts: Serve and Return
Serve and return occurs when a parent or caregiver is responsive to a child’s verbal cues and actions. By providing positive feedback via eye contact, sound, words and physical interaction, the adult helps spark the child’s interest and enthusiasm in practicing things like speech, language and social learning. Without active serve and return.
Video link: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/serve-and-return
Executive Function
This video discusses the importance of executive function, or the air traffic control system of the brain. Executive function encompasses the higher order operations that help us organize information and regulate our behaviour, including prioritizing, delaying gratification, planning ahead, coping with frustration, and following rules.
Video link: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/executive-function
Brains: Journey to Resilience
Discover the science of resilience in this engaging and information-packed video.
Video link: www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/brains-journey-to-resilience
Videos about learning, curiosity, mindset and child development
Molly Wright: How every child can thrive by five, TED
"What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?" asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children's healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of play on lifelong learning, behavior and well-being, sharing effective strategies to help all kids thrive by the age of five.
Video link: https://youtu.be/aISXCw0Pi94?si=yP1r4vC_qmsJgGHY
The power of yet, Carol S Dweck, TEDx Talks
Our problem solving and learning capabilities have often been regarded as components of the personality – things that we are born with. However, as shown in this video, researcher Carol S Dweck explains that improvements in these capabilities are supported by the use of appropriate training and feedback. Very essential knowledge for parents and educators!
Video link: https://youtu.be/J-swZaKN2Ic?si=_Qjry1m14RphKhMY
Sesame Street: Janelle Monae, Power of Yet
When something doesn't work out right now, follow Janelle Monae's advice and don't give up because you'll learn how! Keep trying and you'll reach your goal because that's the Power of Yet!
Video link: https://youtu.be/XLeUvZvuvAs?si=v7oKxFvilWMiDyXy
How does curiosity connect us across our differences? Scott Shigeoka, TED x
In this inspiring talk, curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka discusses the art of developing one's curiosity and how it can be instrumental in helping us connect and become more compassionate, despite our differences. Scott Shigeoka is a curiosity expert who has popularized research that promotes positive well-being and relationships.
Video link: https://youtu.be/vYaGrNyRjmo?si=ggfykQZNeX4PWw9-
NSPCC: How a child's brain develops through early experiences
This 'Brain Builders' video explains how experiences in the first years of our lives affect how our brains form.
Video link: https://youtu.be/hMyDFYSkZSU?si=JRQ26evUyQzmDHeg
Project Zero. Thinking Dispositions
Thinking dispositions support the development of curiosity and learning. How can educators help learners develop thinking skills? Harvard’s Project Zero researched what attributes support new thinking and habits of mind or thinking routines. They found that Ability, Inclination, sensitivity were needed and suggest ways pf helping cultivate these areas, like using visible thinking approaches and thinking routuines.
Video link: https://youtu.be/GalkLjxlBaY?si=rG9IPOjVU9FWZ8fy
Project Zero. Thinking Routines
How can educators help learners develop their thinking? Through practicing thinking routines. A short introduction to Project Zero's thinking routines: What are they? Why would I want to use them? How can I get started?
Video link: https://youtu.be/oKV_S5NpDdc?si=dcjcFMyRJ4vLyjHh