Optional: Listen to an overview of this lesson.

Lesson 1 Title: "Amy and Neo: The Brain’s Super Team!"

For many years, professionals who teach children about the brain have used the names “Amy” and “Neo” to represent two important parts of the brain—the amygdala and the neocortex. These names help make complex ideas easier for young children to understand.

A recent and widely loved book that also uses these names is The Magical Science of Feelings by author Jen Daily and illustrator Gwen Millward (2024). It’s a delightful and engaging story you might enjoy reading together as a family.

In the next few lessons, we’ll continue using the names Amy and Neo, because they make it easier for children to connect with and talk about how their brains work.

Objective:
Help young children understand how their brain helps them manage big emotions and make good choices.

Materials:

• A small stuffed animal or toy (to represent "Amy")
• A small superhero figure or doll (to represent "Neo")
• A simple drawing of a brain (you can sketch a quick one with two labeled sections: Amy and Neo)

Storytime: Meet Amy and Neo!

👩‍🏫 Caregiver says:
"Did you know you have two super helpers inside your brain? Their names are Amy and Neo! They work together to keep you safe, help you think, and make great choices!"

🐒 Amy the Amygdala (Hold up the stuffed animal)

• "Amy is like a little monkey who watches out for danger. If something seems scary or makes you mad or really excited, Amy jumps into action! She helps you run, fight, or freeze when you need to."
• "But sometimes Amy gets a little TOO excited, even when there isn’t real danger—like when you lose a game or someone takes your toy. That’s when we need help from Neo!"

🦸 Neo the Cortex (Hold up the superhero)

• "Neo is like a wise superhero who helps you solve problems, make good choices, and calm down. When Amy gets too loud, Neo can step in and say, ‘Hey, let’s think about this!’"
• "But Neo needs time to think! If Amy is too loud, Neo can't talk. So, we have to help Neo by taking deep breaths, counting, or talking to a grown-up."

Activity: Helping Amy and Neo Work Together

🎭 Role-Playing Scenarios
(Have your child act out different situations and decide if Amy or Neo should take charge.)

1. A dog runs toward you at the park. (Amy jumps in to keep you safe!)
2. You get really mad because your block tower falls down. (Amy wants to yell, but Neo can help you take deep breaths.)
3. You’re trying to figure out a tricky puzzle. (Neo works best when Amy is calm!)

🌬 Calm Down Superpowers
Teach your child simple ways to help Neo take charge when Amy gets too loud:

• Take deep breaths (Pretend to blow up a balloon.)
• Squeeze and relax muscles (Pretend to squeeze a lemon.)
• Count to 5 (Slowly, like a robot!)
• Use words ("I feel mad, but I can solve this!")

Wrap-Up & Reflection

👩‍🏫 Caregiver asks:

• "What does Amy do?" (Keeps you safe, but sometimes overreacts.)
• "What does Neo do?" (Helps you think and solve problems.)
• "What can we do when Amy is too loud?" (Take deep breaths, count, talk to a grown-up.)

🎉 Praise them for learning about their brain!
"Now you know how to be a brain superhero! You can help Amy and Neo work together every day!"

Download a printable pdf of this activity: