Oxford Brain Story

For Professionals

The Brain Story aims to articulate the science of early development and how experiences can shape the developing brain. We can utilise this science to understand our own Brain Story, inform our work with other people and drive service configuration and delivery.

Everyone was a child once, so the Oxford Brain Story is a lifespan story and relevant to people of all ages. The Brain Story uses a series of short metaphors to communicate the science in an easily accessible format. Each metaphor is underpinned by well-evidenced, peer reviewed research, with a wealth of resources for different audiences with varying levels of prior knowledge.

 
BannerImage_Professionals (1).png

Oxford Brain Story Training Pathway

For professionals interested in learning more about the Brain Story, we offer a three-step training approach. All Oxford Brain Story training events are free to access.

 

Become an Oxford Brain Story Trainer

After completing a quality assurance process, Oxford Brain Story trainers deliver the 90-minute Step 1 training within their communities. They deliver Brain Story presentations and disseminate materials locally, whilst ensuring fidelity to the science.

 

Start Building Brains

The Core Story of Brain Development

Learn more about the core metaphors that comprise the Brain Story.

 
 

How Brains Are Built

Palix Foundation | October 2013

Learn the core story of brain development in this accessible and visually engaging video…Show More

Watch Video

 

 

Brain Story Toolkit

Use these additional free, open access resources to share the key messages about brain development for professional and public audiences.

 

Brain Architecture

Palix Foundation | June 2014

This video uses expert commentary and animation to demonstrate the important relationship between… Show More

Watch Video

Serve & Return

Palix Foundation | June 2014

Through animation and expert commentary, this video describes the early interactions th…Show More

Watch Video

Toxic Stress

Palix Foundation | June 2014

Using illustrations, this video shares multi-method research findings about how to talk about…Show More

Watch Video

Executive Function: Air Traffic Control

Palix Foundation | October 2013

This video discusses the importance of executive function, or the air traffic control system of… Show More

Watch Video

A Real-Life application of the resilience scale with rcmp superintendent mike mccauley

Palix Foundation | May 2025

In this video, Superintendent Mike McCauley of the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police shares…Show More

Watch Video

Learning Cards

Palix Foundation | February 2018

Playful but packed with important information, this scientific (and cinematic) video explain…Show More

Download Cards

 

The Brain Architecture game

How do experiences build brains? The Brain Architecture Game is a good starting place for learning how the events we encounter in the early years shape brains.

Visit this link if you would like to play the Brain Architecture game with your team.

 
BrainArchitecturePanel.png
 

Visit The AFWI Resource Library

For many more free learning resources visit the AFWI Resource Library.

 
BrainstoryBackground.jpg