Brain Team HAP

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 4 students to the three main parts of the brain: the Reptilian Brain, the Limbic Brain, and the Neocortex — collectively known as Team HAP (Happy, Alert, and Present). Using age-appropriate language from the My Happy Mind Celebrate module, this lesson will deepen pupils’ understanding of how their brain works to help manage emotions and learning, which links directly to the national PSHE objectives and the computing of social-emotional skills.

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National Curriculum Links (PSHE)

• Health and Wellbeing:
  • Recognise what positively and negatively affects their physical, mental and emotional health (PSHE Association Programme of Study, Year 4).
  • Identify and understand a range of emotions (National Curriculum for PSHE, Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing strand).
• Living in the Wider World:
  • Understand the importance of self-awareness and managing feelings in different situations.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Identify and name the three parts of the brain (Reptilian, Limbic, Neocortex) and explain their basic functions in simple terms.
• Understand how each part of the brain helps them in managing feelings and staying calm, alert, or focused.
• Recognise the role the brain plays in making safe and happy choices.

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Success Criteria

Pupils will:

• Correctly label a simple diagram of the brain with Team HAP's three parts.
• Describe in their own words the role of each brain part in their daily feelings and decision-making.
• Give examples of how understanding their brain can help them stay calm or happy.
• Participate thoughtfully in group activities and reflections, demonstrating awareness of their emotions.

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Resources Needed

• Printed blank brain diagrams (large enough for group work)
• Colouring pencils/markers
• Flashcards with the name and simple function of each brain part
• My Happy Mind Celebrate Year 4 module Brain Team story/explanation snippet (prepared text)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Retrieval Task cards
• Timer

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Lesson Structure

1. Retrieval Task (5 minutes)

Aim: Activate prior knowledge around feelings and the brain.

• Distribute quick quiz cards with 5 questions (e.g., “Can you name a feeling?”, “What helps you calm down?”, “What part of your body helps you think?”).
• Pupils discuss answers in pairs for 2 minutes.
• Invite 3-4 pairs to share answers to check understanding and link to today’s focus.

This retrieval addresses National Curriculum aim to recognise and manage emotions.

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2. Introduction to Team HAP (Brain Parts) (10 minutes)

• Present the three parts of the brain on the whiteboard:

  • Reptilian Brain (The “Alert Team” – keeps you safe, controls basic survival needs like breathing and heartbeat).
  • Limbic Brain (The “Happy Team” – manages emotions and feelings).
  • Neocortex (The “Present Team” – responsible for thinking, planning, and understanding).

• Use simple analogies (e.g., “The Reptilian Brain is like a smoke alarm, always watching out for danger.”).

• Read aloud a short, lively story based on the My Happy Mind Celebrate module describing Team HAP working together.

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3. Group Activity: Brain Diagram Label and Match (15 minutes)

• Divide class into 6 groups of 5 pupils.
• Give each group a large blank brain diagram and flashcards with brain parts and their functions.
• Groups will:
  1. Colour and label each part of the brain on their diagram.
  2. Match flashcards to the correct brain part visually.
  3. Discuss a scenario where that brain part helps (e.g., "What does your Limbic brain do if you feel scared?").
• Circulate supporting and questioning groups with prompts like: “How does your Present Team help when you solve a problem?”

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4. Whole-Class Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Groups present their diagrams and examples.
• Teacher facilitates discussion: “How can understanding your brain help you when you're feeling sad or worried?”
• Introduce simple mindfulness breathing exercise focusing on the Neocortex to calm the Limbic brain.
• Encourage pupils to think about when they have used their Team HAP without knowing it.

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5. Plenary - Success Criteria Check and Self-Assessment (5 minutes)

• Pupils tick off success criteria on individual mini-checklists.
• Ask pupils to write down one thing they learned about their brain and one way they will try to use that knowledge in school or at home.
• Collect responses or invite volunteers to share.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through group work and presentations (observing correct labelling and understanding).
• Use self-assessments to gauge confidence and understanding.
• Teacher’s questioning during retrieval, activities, and plenary to assess comprehension.

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Extension Ideas for Differentiation

• Support: Provide labelled diagrams for lower ability pupils; allow drawing instead of writing for responses.
• Challenge: Ask higher ability pupils to explain how Team HAP works together when they face bigger challenges (e.g., test anxiety).

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Reflection for Teachers

• Did pupils actively participate in the retrieval quiz and group activities?
• Were pupils able to explain brain functions in their own words?
• Were pupils engaged during the story and mindfulness?
• How can this lesson be linked to behaviour management or emotional regulation throughout the school day?

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This lesson not only meets but pioneers a refreshed and engaging PSHE teaching standard by building foundational emotional literacy through innovative neuroscience concepts tailored to Year 4 national curriculum expectations.