It all started with a kid who thought the assignment was to “be a tree” and proceeded to lay flat on the floor like a log.

Technically not wrong. But definitely not what the teacher expected.

I was observing a classroom as part of a coaching session, and while some students were enthusiastically pretending to sway in the wind or grow imaginary apples, one lone student had decided to become a fallen redwood. Arms down. Eyes closed. Fully committed.

It was hilarious. But it was also telling. Because in that moment, we saw exactly what Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is all about: people process things differently—and they’re not wrong for it.

That “log” of a child wasn’t disengaged. He was just expressing understanding in his own unique way. And when we laughed and validated it, something magical happened—he sat up, joined in, and ended the activity with a proud, “Trees fall too, you know.”

And he’s right.

Why This Matters to You (and Your Brain)

Whether you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or corporate team lead—you’ve felt that moment: the “I’ve tried everything, and they’re still not getting it” frustration.

That’s precisely where Universal Design for Learning (UDL) steps in, blending beautifully with the core principles I live and teach.

• Strength-based design
• Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence (EQ)
• Co-regulation through modeling
• Scientific tools to build healthy brain and nervous system pathways

UDL isn’t just a fancy acronym—it’s a neuroscience-backed, empathy-driven framework that helps us design learning environments that work for real people. Not ideal ones. Not imaginary Pinterest board people. But the wonderfully weird and wide range of humans we’re all trying to reach.

UDL + Interpersonal Skills + EQ + Growth Mindset = Brain Fuel (Backed by Science)

When we layer Universal Design for Learning with interpersonal skill-building, a growth mindset, and emotionally intelligent, strength-based tools, we’re not just helping learners achieve goals—we’re literally rewiring the brain.

Let’s science it up for a minute (stay with me—it gets juicy):

• Neuroplasticity tells us the brain changes with experience and practice.
• Co-regulation builds neural stability by showing learners (kids and adults) how to calm themselves by watching someone else do it first.
• Executive function development thrives in environments where expectations are clear, feedback is immediate, and failure is viewed as a learning opportunity.
• UDL is the perfect map for this: it encourages multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. This means every learner has a real shot at connection and comprehension.

So, when we get silly with role-play, improv, breathwork, music, and games, we’re not just “doing something fun”—we’re helping the prefrontal cortex grow. We’re helping humans regulate. We’re fostering innovation and empathy in your classroom, boardroom, or therapy office.

Why Humor and Movement Matter (Yes, Really)

Look, your nervous system doesn’t care how many degrees you have. It responds to safety, connection, novelty, and authenticity. That’s why every ChristianaFrank.com training is:

• Strength-based
• Whole-person centered
• Interactive (no one snoozes on my watch)
• Designed to create new habits and neural pathways

Plus, when we laugh or move together, we release oxytocin and dopamine—your brain’s way of giving a standing ovation. You retain more. You try more. You believe more. And that’s the point.

Bring the Brain Party to Your Team

Whether you’re an administrator looking to train your educators, a therapist seeking nervous system regulation tools for your clients, or a corporate leader ready to ditch the outdated team-building slideshows—I come to you. My trainings are customized, science-backed, and experiential.

 Why that matters:

Because we don’t change behavior by talking about it. We change it by experiencing something new, safe, and sticky enough for the brain to go, “Ohhhhhh…do more of that.”

 Let’s Build Better Brains, Together

Visit christianafrank.com to explore trainings that blend UDL, interpersonal intelligence, and a whole lot of science-based joy.

Want to talk about what this looks like in your school, clinic, or company? Let’s connect.

And if you’re still wondering about the tree kid—he’s now the most participatory learner in that classroom. Still a bit dramatic. Still brilliant. And still reminding us that learning looks different for everyone.