Brain workouts

I have been watching a really interesting series called Redesign My Brain and it's got me thinking about how I could give my brain more of a workout. I've read very mixed reviews about the app-based programs you see advertised on TV. Luckily, though, at work yesterday I found two books that look really interesting and have many lateral-thinking, creativity-inducing activities.

The first is called How to Be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith. This is a book I wish I had written. It's filled with interesting and often simple ideas, which will help you see the world in a different way. Many of the ideas would be great to do with kids from four and up.

Second is Caffeine for the Creative Mind by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield. Its 250 exercises are engaging and quick (or long if you want them to be). Many of them could be turned into writing exercises, ice-breakers or time-fillers for the classroom.

I did one of the 'Caffeine' exercises at work in a lull between helping students. It was a word association. Here is mine:

To give it a go yourself, get a copy of the book. It's worth it!