Combining a state-approved special education program with various adventure, service learning, and leadership opportunities, Boulder Creek Academy fosters social, behavioral, and academic development among teenagers with a variety of mental and behavioral challenges. The core of Boulder Creek Academy’s classroom instruction revolves around brain-based learning.

1. BASIC BRAIN-BASED LEARNING
STRATEGIES
Boulder Creek Academy

2. INTRODUCTION
 Combining a state-approved special education program with
various adventure, service learning, and leadership opportunities,
Boulder Creek Academy fosters social, behavioral, and academic
development among teenagers with a variety of mental and
behavioral challenges. The core of Boulder Creek Academy’s
classroom instruction revolves around brain-based learning.
Brain-based learning capitalizes on the notion that all of a
student’s daily activities are integrated and otherwise processed
by the brain. There are several common strategies that promote
brain-based learning, including the following:
- Incorporate movement: As the body moves, the brain is better
able to make efficient connections and grow new neurons.

3. BRAIN-BASED LEARNING STRATEGIES
 Voluntary physical activity is especially beneficial to the mind,
particularly things like aerobics, swimming, and physical games.
Allowing children to choose between various physical activities during
their school days boosts overall learning.
- Take it slow: Teaching quickly is a common issue because many
teachers must get through a set amount of information in a specific
amount of time. Unfortunately, presenting too much information makes it
difficult for the brain to memorize and recall it. It’s better to present
information in small chunks so that students have time to process it.
- Manage stress: Most students experience a great deal of stress
during the day. Unfortunately, chronic stress makes it more difficult to
learn. Routine stress can be caused by academic concerns or just
general worries about life and can cause serious health and learning
risks. Teaching coping skills and promoting a sense of choice can
combat this.