Our brain is a mass of cells divided into three major sections: the cerebellum, the thalamus and the hypothalamus.

The cerebellum is the part of our brain that helps to perfect muscle movement and coordination, allowing us to become great artists and athletes.

The thalamus is the part of the brain that receives and sends out chemical signals through our entire bodies. All we touch, see and hear triggers messages through this section of our brain.

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulates our body temperature and tells us when we are hungry or thirsty.

Although our brains are very busy sending millions of signals, prompting us to eat, sleep and do our daily chores, it is also responsible for the thinking and learning we do each day. Learning is a job too great for just one of the three major sections of the brain.

Our mind, which is the word that is used to describe the function of our thoughts, requires the sections of our brain to work together.

Each of us is unique in that we are really good at some of these brain tasks, and not so good at others. Relax though! This is true for each and everyone of us.

Unlike our arms, legs and brain, our mind is not part of our physical body, though we exercise it regularly. The tasks our minds attend to are things like:

Just for fun, grab a piece of paper and a pencil and make a list of the things your brain helps you do everyday. Then, put a star or check-mark next to the functions you do well.

You'll surely see that you have talents to feel good about!

We all have special talents — but sometimes we don't allow ourselves to feel good about them, because we worry about the things we don't do as well as others.

Don't worry though... There are many ways to learn to read, write, do math problems, play sports, instruments and many other things. It just takes a bit of time and patience to find the learning style that is best suited to you. The good news is you can improve in any area of learning you are struggling with, and there are a number of caring people and organizations — like us — who want to help you.

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