№ 01
The Brain Pond
based on My Body, My Brain
Every brain is unique — a gentle, neuro-affirming celebration of the wonderful ways our brains work.
Key themes
- Neuro-Affirming Perspectives
- Individual Strengths
- Empathy
- Community
Session size
Because Nicki's books explore sensitive themes like neurodiversity, body boundaries and consent, and emotional literacy, her sessions are designed as interactive classroom workshops rather than large-scale assemblies. This intimate setting allows the 'brave space' required for students to connect deeply with these vital topics.
What you’ll need
Connection for a laptop, clear floor space for drama activity, crayons/pencils, glue, and workspace for craft activity.
Overview
In this gentle, neuro-affirming session, author Nicki Esler Gill explores the 'wonderful, marvellous, spectacular' ways our brains work. Rather than focusing on formal labels or diagnoses, Nicki uses her book My Body, My Brain to celebrate the simple truth that we all have different ways of seeing, hearing, and experiencing the world. Nicki helps students understand that every child has a mix of things they excel at and things they find tricky, and affirms the inherent value of every child — and every brain.
What to expect
Inside the workshop
- 01
The Reading
An interactive reading where Nicki shares her own 'brain story', including things she is great at (rhyming!) and things she finds hard (making eye contact!) — inviting students to safely share their own strengths and challenges if they choose to.
- 02
The Activity — The Brain Pond
Using an engaging immersive drama activity, students 'dive' into a pond to see the world through the eyes of a Fish (cool, quiet, and dark) and a Frog (bright, warm, and buzzy). This powerful metaphor teaches the validity of different perspectives on the same experience.
- 03
The Craft — The Great-Bake!
Using the cake analogy from the book, Nicki explains that the world needs our difference. Just as a cake is made of a variety of different ingredients, '[W]e all are the ingredients for making life that's sweet.' Students identify their own 'special ingredient' — the unique strength they offer the world — and add it to a collective recipe poster.
The take-away
Now think of all the kids you know, everyone you see in the playground and the classroom and remember this for me: you're ALL important, not for what you can or cannot do, but because each child is precious! And every brain is too!
Learning outcomes
What students take home
Self-Acceptance
Students will identify their own unique strengths and challenges, fostering a positive sense of self.
Empathy & Perspective
Through the 'Fish and Frog' drama, students will recognise that others may experience the same environment differently.
Inclusive Language
Students will develop an affirming vocabulary for discussing neurodiversity and individual differences.
Community Belonging
Students will understand that every person is a vital 'ingredient' in making their classroom and the world beautiful.
Book this session
Through Lamont Authors
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