Author: Daniel J. Siegel
Reasons to read:
- Simply explained science of adolescent neural development
- ‘Toolkit’ sections for adolescents, teachers and parents
- Clear reasoning for confusing behaviours
Key notes:
- Adolescents undergo ‘neural pruning’.
- Pupils can be defined by preconceptions of their age group. E.g lack of intelligence, laziness or emotional instability.
- Neural integration is key to balanced emotions. Integration can be boosted by understanding more about the way the brain works and communicates.
- A less integrated brain is more likely to produce rash, emotional responses.
- Adolescents are ‘hyper-rational’. They are led by positive outcomes which often outweigh a negative reality.
- There are 3 main attachment models (secure, avoidant and ambivalent) all of which are linked to key adults in their lives. These models can be used to help pupils understand their behaviours and, over time, increase their neural integration.