It is then our responsibility to give children skills and tools that they can use daily to navigate the world around them. It is difficult to imagine how our youngest population can already be bogged down with so much stress and anxiety. Mindfulness has been shown through research to reduce aggression and other behavioral difficulties, and increase pro-social behaviors.īy implementing daily brain breaks in our classrooms, we are hoping to cultivate learning environments that foster kindness and grace.Ĭhildren are faced with more difficulties than ever before. This focused breathing practice is now regularly exercised in our classrooms and is a tool that children can use to focus their attention, and regulate their stress and emotions. During a brain break, we invite children to take deep breaths to help reset and relax their brains. One of the key elements of MindUp is the regular practice of a “brain break,” a mindful awareness practice. Using the strategies outlined in the program, we are able to provide children with an explanation of what emotions are, how the brain regulates our feelings, and even more, how to manage those emotions through mindful awareness practices, positive psychology, and SEL instruction. Emotions are complex and can be difficult to grapple with as a young child. “I see that you’re upset,” “You look like you’re angry,” etc., but with no explanation of what those feelings truly mean or how they come about. Oftentimes, children are simply told how they feel, i.e. By knowing how the brain works, children are presented with a more concrete representation of their feelings and, in turn, their behaviors. MindUp teaches children about their brain structures and gives them a sense of control and empowerment. Through MindUp, we are able to implement evidence-based practices that can improve our children’s social-emotional well-being. Providing children with the tools that they need to manage “big emotions” is equally crucial. Our goal as educators is to provide unadulterated opportunities for discovery and growth, and ensuring that our spaces are free from as much stressors as possible is an important part of that. Our philosophy is rooted in ensuring that every aspect of a child’s development is fostered and supported. Peer ratings of kindness, prosocialness, and peer acceptanceĪt Wild Roots, we have always prided ourselves in providing education for the whole child.Stress physiology, as measured by the hormone, cortisol.MindUp’s research also shows that the program helped improve children’s: Demonstrated positive effects on reducing aggression and managing stress. Enhanced tools and strategies for self-regulation.More prosocial, trustworthy, and liked by their peers.Improved academic performance, especially in math and language arts.Better stress regulation as assessed by the stress hormone, cortisol.The MindUp program is accredited by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as a SELect Program.Īccording to the MindUp website, the program research shows that children who have participated in MindUp showed the following outcomes: The program is evidence-based and has been evaluated for its feasibility and outcome evaluations, and in its benefits for students across various demographics, including in early childhood education settings. MindUp works to foster children’s well-being by providing educational programs based in neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and social-emotional learning (SEL). “MindUP teaches the skills and knowledge children need to regulate their stress and emotion, form positive relationships, and act with kindness and compassion.” So, this year, we have decided to partner up with MindUp and implement their research-based social emotional learning program in our classrooms. We can all agree that ensuring the well-being and happiness of our children is one of the most important purposes we have in life.
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