Lesson Plan

Brain & Trauma Overview

Equip a 9th-grade student with a clear understanding of how trauma alters key brain structures and stress responses, enabling them to identify their own reactions and build self-awareness.

Understanding the neuroscience of trauma demystifies stress reactions, reduces shame, and empowers the student to recognize triggers and seek healthy coping strategies.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Counseling Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Step 2

Explore Brain Basics

5 minutes

Step 3

Trauma Impact Explanation

8 minutes

Step 4

Personalized Reflection

7 minutes

Step 5

Q&A and Wrap-Up

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Neuroscience Made Simple

Welcome the student, set a relaxed tone, and explain that these slides will use simple images and analogies to explore how their brain works.

Key Brain Players

Point to each icon as you introduce the three brain parts: amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex.

Amygdala: The Alarm Center

Explain that the amygdala scans for danger. Use a fire-alarm analogy: when it’s oversensitive, it can go off too easily.

Hippocampus: Memory Librarian

Describe how memories are filed and retrieved. Compare the hippocampus to a library that sometimes misplaces books under stress.

Prefrontal Cortex: Decision Maker

Explain that the prefrontal cortex helps plan, focus, and control impulses. Under trauma, it can go “offline,” making decisions harder.

Trauma’s Impact

Show how trauma can flood the amygdala and hijack the HPA axis, disrupting balance between emotion and reason.

Stress Response Cycle

Introduce the fight/flight/freeze cycle. Use a simple flow: stress signal → hormone release → body reacts. Emphasize this is automatic.

Resilience & Adaptation

Wrap up by stressing that the brain can rewire itself (neuroplasticity). Encourage the student that with safe coping, balance can return.