This document discusses brain-based learning and its 12 basic principles. It begins by asking the reader to imagine what their brain is like, such as a cabbage or grapefruit. It then discusses that learning engages the entire physiology, including food, water and nutrition. It also notes that the brain is social and searches for meaning through patterns and simultaneous parts and wholes. Emotions are critical to learning, which involves both conscious and unconscious processes. Memory is organized in different ways and learning is developmental, enhanced by challenge and unique to each individual brain. The conclusion discusses applying these brain-based learning strategies in the classroom to maximize learning through the five learning primers of emotional, social, cognitive, physical and reflective learning.