Little Synapses

Brain 101 for Kids

Your amazing brain

Six short, fun lessons about the most amazing thing you own: your brain! For curious kids aged about 6 to 12, and the grown-ups who learn with them.

A happy cartoon brain waving, surrounded by stars, a book, a moon and a ball

Pick a lesson

Lesson 1 · 10 minWhat is your brain?Meet your cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem: the three big parts of your amazing brain.Lesson 2 · 10 minNeurons: the brain's messengersHow billions of neurons send signals across tiny gaps called synapses, and why practice makes them stronger.Lesson 3 · 10 minSleep and your brainWhy your brain needs sleep, how much kids need, and what happens in your brain all night long.Lesson 4 · 12 minWhat is a seizure?A calm, kid-friendly explanation of seizures and epilepsy, and how kids can help a friend: Stay, Safe, Side.Lesson 5 · 10 minFeelings and the brainWhere feelings come from, what your brain's alarm does, and tricks to help big feelings calm down.Lesson 6 · 12 minHow to keep your brain healthyHelmets, sleep, food, play and screen breaks: everyday ways to look after your brain.

Wow Brain fact machine

Your brain is about 75% water. Drink up!

For kids

  • Start with Lesson 1, or pick the one you are curious about.
  • Tap, click and play with the pictures.
  • Try the 3-question quiz at the end of each lesson. A ✓ appears on lessons you finish.
  • Print a coloring page or the Brain Power Week chart.

For parents & teachers

Each lesson takes about 10 to 12 minutes, works on phones, tablets and classroom screens, and ends with a short box of teaching tips and sources. Everything is free, with no sign-up. Lessons are written by Dr. Yash Shah, a pediatric neurologist, and use simple, global English.

Print Printable activities

A brain coloring page and a "My Brain Power Week" habit chart for home or class.

Open printables →

Like brain facts? Dr. Shah shares bite-size pediatric brain science for families on X.

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