Virtual Brain Training Sessions
🌟 OVERVIEW: 2-HOUR VIRTUAL SESSION FORMAT (For Preschool–3rd Grade)
Deep developmental work in 2-hour Zoom sessions with preschool through 3rd graders requires structure, pacing, multi-sensory engagement, and variety. Attention spans are short at this age (especially online), so we use a dynamic rhythm that weaves in movement, creativity, emotional grounding, and core skills.
Here's a complete breakdown of how we structure and deliver this virtually:
⏰ Sample Time Blocks
|
Time |
Activity Type |
Focus |
|
0:00–0:15 |
Welcome + Emotional Check-in |
Build trust, language, emotional vocabulary |
|
0:15–0:30 |
Movement + Brain Warm-Up |
Engage body, boost focus, prep brain |
|
0:30–0:50 |
Core Learning Block #1 |
Language, math, or inquiry-based exploration |
|
0:50–1:00 |
Creative Breakout or Art/Manipulative Time |
Deepen processing through creative play |
|
1:00–1:15 |
Snack/Stretch Break |
Regulate energy |
|
1:15–1:35 |
Core Learning Block #2 |
Science, storytelling, or cross-disciplinary connection |
|
1:35–1:50 |
Student Sharing or Confidence Circle |
Build voice, listening, confidence |
|
1:50–2:00 |
Cool Down + Reflection |
Wrap with mindfulness, reflection, positive closure |
🧠 KEY STRATEGIES BY DEVELOPMENTAL GOAL
1. Developing the Mind (Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Memory)
- Use real objects and visuals
- Keep lessons concrete instead of abstract
- Chunk instruction
- Think-alouds
Example Activity:
🧩 “Mystery Bag”: Pull items out of a bag and describe them with clues. Let kids guess. Then ask, “Why do you think this object is used for that? Could it be used another way?” → logic + inference + creativity.
2. Expanding the Mind (Processing, Transmuting, Creating)
- Retelling & remixing
- Creative synthesis
- Use visual mind maps on Zoom whiteboard or Jamboard to connect ideas together.
Example Activity:
🎨 “Invent-A-Creature”: Combine two animals you’ve learned about to create a new one. What does it eat? Where does it live? → Science + Imagination + Expression
3. Expressing with Confidence (Speaking, Presenting, Taking Initiative)
- Daily spotlight
- Use sentence starters
- Small group breakouts
Example Activity:
🎤 “Story Cube Roll”: Roll a digital or paper cube with emojis or picture cues. Each child adds one line to the story. Builds narrative structure + confidence.
4. Supporting Emotional Intelligence
- Morning check-ins
- Name + normalize emotions
- Mindfulness minute
Example Activity:
💗 “Feelings in My Body”: “When I’m happy, my chest feels like…” (Students draw or describe sensations). Teaches body-emotion connection.
5. Boosting Engagement + Retention
- Use movement often
- Turn games into learning
Example Activity:
🔍 “Zoom Scavenger Hunt”: Find an item that starts with “B,” something from nature, something that helps you learn, etc.
🧩 EXAMPLE WEEKLY THEMES & SESSIONS (Blended Across Subjects)
|
Week Theme |
Key Concepts |
Sample Activities |
|
🌱 Growing Things |
Life cycles, gardens, emotions |
Plant parts art, seed dance, draw how you grow |
|
🧭 Exploration |
Maps, adventure, storytelling |
Treasure map creation, movement journey game |
|
💡 Inventions |
Problem-solving, creativity |
“Invent a helper,” build using recyclables |
|
🎨 Color & Sound |
Senses, music, visual arts |
Sound walk, color poem, draw soundscapes |
|
🌟 I Am Unique |
Identity, culture, family |
All About Me poster, show & tell, emotion match |
🛠️ TECH & MATERIALS TIPS
- Use props on screen: Scarves, toys, puppets, or nature items.
- Send home simple prep lists: Parents get a heads-up: “Tomorrow we’ll need crayons, 3 paper shapes, and a sock.”
- Utilize Zoom tools
✅ What to Remember
- 2 hours is NOT 120 minutes of sitting. We move, vary tempo, and balance energy.
- Connection is better than Perfection. A child who feels seen and supported learns faster.
- Confidence grows in safety. We praise effort, listen actively, and give them stage time in small doses.
- Information is transmuted through action—drawing, dancing, telling, imagining.
If you have additional questions about our Virtual Brain Training Sessions, please contact Jewel at info.innovativethinkers@gmail.com .
