The neuroscience of a positive learning environment Creating a positive classroom environment is the most powerful thing you can do to improve learning. Learn how emotions impact our lives, how relationships benefit us, and the limitations of "tough love." How to use this video: Use this to reinforce the urgent need for teachers and parents to create positive learning environments and why "Tough love" can do more harm than good. This video is part of a professional development series. For more information about our Mindset Mastery SEL Curriculum, teacher and adult SEL professional development, and other SEL services and programs, check us out at Time Stamps: 00:00 A positive learning environment increases positive emotions 00:14 Emotions impact 5 areas of our lives 00:19 1. Attention, memory, and learning 00:41 2. Decision-Making 00:54 3. Relationship Quality 1:15 4. Physical and Mental Health 1:51 5. Performance and Creativity 2:19 We Are Wired to Connect 2:58 The pain of social rejection 3:14 The benefits of human connection 3:24 Human connection and child development 3:35 The protective benefits of strong relationships 4:09 The power of social learning 4:19 But it's not my job to build relationships! 7:32 Why relationships prepare kids for a tough world About this YouTube Channel: This YouTube channel helps school staff members (teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, etc) strengthen their own SEL skills and implement high quality SEL instruction in their classrooms or staff meetings! This is your one-stop shop for all things SEL-related. Our aim is to have the first personal and professional development channel that's engaging, informative, and transformative! WHO AM I: I’m Gerard Vargas, a former high school science teacher, teacher trainer, and university professor who helps people achieve their goals by optimizing their beliefs and behaviors. I’m the cofounder of the Legacy Mastery Academy, an organization that offers curriculum and training to help students and teachers develop Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills like self-discipline, working well with others, and emotional management so they can increase achievement in all areas of their life. Learn more about what we do at If you would like to support our work: 1. Become a member of the Legacy Mastery Academy. 2. Subscribe to this channel :) 3. Also check out some of our amazing services and products (see below) Mindset Mastery SEL Curriculum: The first hands-on, inquiry-based, comprehensive SEL program for grades 6-12+ that is founded on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to optimize beliefs, thinking patterns, and habits. SEL Dialogues cards build community and psychological safety while strengthening every SEL skill through a fun game that’s perfect for community or restorative justice circles. The SEL Mindset Journal helps you build ten habits that improve your motivation, self-discipline, self-control, energy levels, happiness, and resilience! SEL visuals are captivating cartoons that stimulate discussion, community, and SEL mastery. Use them in community circles, to start discussions, as lesson hooks, and to support English Language learners and students with special needs. Classroom SEL Plugins are short SEL routines that directly help students master academic content in any subject area and grade level! Adult SEL Plugins are short routines that develop staff SEL, improve staff culture, well-being, performance, and help you achieve your staff meeting or PD objectives! Our SEL PD options help meet your staff’s needs and earn Continuing Education Units; from our 5-Day SEL Institute, a Seminar for students, teachers, and parents, to our focused SEL PD series! Learn more: Music: Liquid Time - Aakash Gandhi (Youtube Audio Music Library) Pictures and videos: Creative Commons: , , and