This children’s article, Use your head: It’s World Brain Day, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the human brain, and discover how to keep their brains healthy. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is World Brain Day?
Today (June 22nd) is World Brain Day, a day to celebrate the most amazing organ in your body, your brain! It’s organised each year by the World Federation of Neurology, a group of doctors and scientists from over 100 countries who study how the brain works.
The day started in 2014, and the aim is to teach people about brain health, support brain research, and make sure everyone has access to good healthcare for their brain.
So what better time to learn a few cool facts about the grey squishy stuff in your head?
Your brain is brilliant
Your brain is like your body’s boss. It sends and receives messages all the time, helping you move, think, dream, laugh, cry, breathe, and even sleep.
Did you know that your brain is about 75% water, and it has around 100 billion neurons? That’s about the same as the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy! These tiny neurons carry signals faster than the speed of a race car.
Want more weird facts? Scientists say that multi-tasking is a myth; your brain can’t do lots of things at once. It’s just switching quickly between tasks, which makes it more likely to make mistakes.
How to look after your brain
Your brain might be powerful, but it still needs your help to stay healthy. Here are a few simple ways to care for your clever noggin:
- Get plenty of sleep – This is when your brain does its cleaning and recharging.
- Exercise – Running, playing or even walking helps pump blood and oxygen to your brain.
- Drink water – Dehydration can make it harder to focus and remember things.
- Relax and daydream – Taking breaks helps your brain be more creative.
- Learn something new – Challenging your brain keeps it strong!
Fun brain holidays
World Brain Day isn’t the only celebration of the brain. There’s also Train Your Brain Day in October, and International Brainteaser Month in January, perfect for puzzles and brain games!
Whether you’re solving a tricky riddle, playing memory games, or just learning something cool in school, you’re giving your brain a workout. That’s worth celebrating!
So today, give a little cheer for your brilliant brain, and maybe drink a glass of water too.
Article vocabulary list
- Organ – A part of your body with a special job, like the brain or heart.
- Neurology – The study of the brain and nervous system.
- Neurons – Tiny brain cells that carry messages around your body.
- Milky Way – The galaxy our Solar System is part of.
- Multi-tasking – Trying to do many things at the same time.
- Dehydration – Not having enough water in your body.
- Recharge – To rest and get energy back.
- Creative – Being able to think of new and interesting ideas.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What does your brain help you do?
A) Only sleep
B) Only eat and walk
C) Think, breathe, and move
Answer: C) Think, breathe, and move
2. When did World Brain Day begin?
A) 2014
B) 2004
C) 2022
Answer: A) 2014
3. How much of your brain is made of water?
A) 25%
B) 75%
C) 90%
Answer: B) 75%
4. What are neurons?
A) Brain muscles
B) Tiny brain cells that carry messages
C) A type of sandwich
Answer: B) Tiny brain cells that carry messages
5. Which of these helps your brain stay healthy?
A) Watching TV all day
B) Drinking fizzy drinks
C) Getting enough sleep
Answer: C) Getting enough sleep
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
