The Little Book of Big Stuff about the Brain

Designed as a cover to cover read which leaves the reader with a working knowledge of the human brain from its first evolution 2 billion years ago to the present day. A light-hearted look at the brain aimed at a lay audience. It especially focuses on the neurobiology of emotional intelligence and in many ways is the neurobiological explanation of why emotional intelligence is so important to health, wealth and happiness. Designed as a cover to cover read which leaves the reader with a working knowledge of the human brain from its first evolution 2 billion years ago to the present day. A light-hearted look at the brain aimed at a lay audience. It especially focuses on the neurobiology of emotional intelligence and in many ways is the neurobiological explanation of why emotional intelligence is so important to health, wealth and happiness.It is a book about structure and function - and the immensely reassuring fact that there is nothing occult or sinister or hidden about our emotional selves - there is just a whole pile of circuitry that can be adjusted and changed and remodeled. Emotional damage is repairable, painful memories can be unlearned, and debilitating conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder can be placed firmly in the past. There is nothing about ourselves that we can't fundamentally change if we are prepared to do the work required. This means that no matter how deep the damage runs, there is still hope that it can (eventually) be unlearned. The most important message in this book - emotions and our emotional brains - underpin most of what we are and how we express ourselves from how we brush our hair to how we solve complex social and intellectual questions.''This is a brilliant book which is essential reading for all teachers and parents. It would be an excellent book to leave for parents to browse through in the school reception area. The sections on learning are excellent, but I would particularly recommend the section on behaviour to all teachers, mentors and support workers. This is another inspiring addition to a great series which brings learning down to a level of enjoyment and practical understanding.'' John T Morris BA,MEd, MPhil,DipPsych,CertEd, Director, Teifi Training Education Consultants''The premise for The Little Book of Big Stuff is simple, describing itself as ''the user's manual that your brain didn't come with''.Dr Andrew Curran is a practising paediatric neurologist and also works with Manchester University's education department, and his book aims to offer die lay reader - be they teacher or student - an insight into how the brain works what it looks like, and where it came from. It is designed to give the reader a working knowledge of the human brain.Covering the first evolution of the brain two billion years ago, through to its present day form, the publication takes on the style of a ''notebook'' with hand-drawn diagrams to complement the light hearted nature of the language.As well as a potted history of the brain, Dr Curran also offers advice and insight into the learning process, describing both the scientific processes behind effective learning, and explaining how we can encourage our own, and others', brains to act in this way.Understanding how to use your brain effectively in all situations - be it to learn, to memorise, or to socialise - are all tackled in layman's terms.The importance of emotional health is revisited throughout, along with advice on how to make best use of your brain - be it to improve memory, facilitate learning, or even to socialise more effectively.''Sec Ed Magazine April 2008''Dr Andrew Curran is a practising paediatric neurologist in Liverpool who is also committed to using his extraordinary knowledge of the workings of the human brain to make a difference in the educational experience of all young people. Ian Gilbert, founder of Independent Thinking has been working to bring the best out of young people and those who work with them, focusing on areas including thinking, learning, motivation and creativity. This ‘little book' is a very readable guide to how the brain has developed, how it works and the implications this has for everyday situations as well as for more formal learning.It is amusingly illustrated and uses many instantly recognizable examples to bring these complex concepts to life.I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing more about how their brain actually does what it does, or wants to explain some of these concepts to students in an entertaining and imaginative format.''- Mary Mountstephen MA (SEN), Associate Editor, SEN Magazine‘The true story of our amazing brain'! What a delightful book, with ‘big enough' writing and pictures that offers an simple approach to a complicated subject. Our knowledge of the brain is a work in progress, an endless adventure of discovery.It will excite your interest and inspire you to learn more. Sharing your learning and your approaches to teaching with a broader knowledge will help you understand how a ‘calm' brain that is having fun will learn best.Fear, stress and worry only shut down the higher thinking and control centres of the brain with consequent results to teaching and learning. We will certainly be adding this to our A Quiet Place reading list! Without a doubt all educators should not only enjoy reading this book but also find in it essential information for the teaching and learning process. It is only when we begin to understand how that extraordinary organ the brain functions that we will we be able begin to make proper use of its abilities thus assisting pupils and students to begin their lifetimes journey of self knowledge. I can only recommend all who are involved in education for any age or ability to appreciate this ‘little' book for helping us begin to set out on our journey with a wealth of vital information, a must for a positive and successful adventure on this planet.'' - Penelope Moon CEO A Quiet Place Ltd.