Workshops for Educators

Each From Fire to Inspire Workshop begins with this idea.
Controlling all conscious and non-conscious functions in your body is a brain filled with neurons uniquely wired to create the one-of-a-kind masterpiece - YOU. Your knowledge, memories, personality, emotions, experience, habits, and abilities are a puzzle of neurons in a brain like no other. You were born an engineer. Neuroplasticity (the power to wire and rewire neurons with learning) and neurogenesis (the ability to grow new neurons) are your superpowers!
As we build the framework of images, sounds, colors, and rhyme using multi-sensory mini-lessons and movement we bring everyone's unique experiences and perspectives together and explore answers to this question.  
How can we as educators use our understanding of neuroplasticity and neurogenisis to construct the conditions in which our students strive to become masterful engineers, with the desire, motivation, and ability to wire their bodies and brains with all they would most like to know, understand, and be able to do?
The images, sounds, colors, and rhyme were purposefully designed to:
  • Teach how the brain learns with the intent of empowering learners
  • Connect to all learning across all disciplines and grade levels
  • Create an ongoing practice of goal setting, focus, optimism, self-regulation, grit, and resilience that fosters healthy reflection practices, acceptance, and confidence
  • Help learners realize their engineering capabilities and develop helpful wiring habits
Each experience includes:
  • Examples of brain-based teaching strategies focused on multiple pathways to memory and brain states
  • Creative ways to front load and reflect for increased motivation and learning
  • Time-efficient classroom friendly physical activities that provide a way to oxygenate, energize, balance, and integrate brains for increased learning
  • An exploration of the many facets of movement and how they relate to learning and the brain
  • Tools and resources needed to start building the framework in your classroom
What teachers are saying!
"AMAZING loved it! Love anything that gets my kids MOVING with a PURPOSE."
"A lot of info and great practical ideas for the classroom in a short time. I would love to go to more workshops with her!"
The presenter was fantastic!
"Bring her in for an elementary workshop. Great connection between movement and learning."
​"I am going try to use more movement in the classroom as a learning tool."
~ Comments from Workshop Participants​
Sentence Starters is example of a quick multi-sensory "FIRE" activity that can also be used as a self-reflection tool.

Workshop for Before/After School Program Leaders

Circus Arts and/or Jump Rope are great addition to your before/after school program or summer camp. It creates a very inclusive environment where children connect with others while learning individual, partner, and group circus arts and rope jumping skills. I can work directly with children, with program leaders, or a combination of both to create a before or after school physical activity program designed for multi-age participants. Click the link below to see pictures and video of programs I'm currently running and links to those I have run in the past. Contact me and we can work to tailor a program that meets your specific needs.

School Programs for Children

School programs for children (or students and teachers) include guest teaching and residencies in which learners learn circus arts skills as we build the From Fire to Inspire Framework with the goal of helping them realize their power in the learning process.
Learners connect to:
  • A basic understanding of neuroplasticity and their power in the process
  • An understanding of habit building and ongoing practice of goal-setting, focus, optimism, self-regulation, grit, and resilience through the purposeful use of color
  • A healthy reflection practice based on an understanding of how the brain and body learn
  • Physical activity that oxygenates, integrates and energizes the brain and body for improved learning
  • Each other
What kids are saying!
"Hey Mrs. Giles-Brown! I think I'm getting one of those!"
​Quote from a former student (1st grade) as she pointed to the picture of a neural network with a very excited look on her face! 

The Framework
Picture
I have developed a workshop plan that requires an investment of time (not money) by the host teacher and school. Contact me to learn more about these creative partnerships.