“I created MindUP™ with educators for educators.  I wanted to help them improve student focus engagement in learning academics and give them tools and strategies that would bring joy back into the classroom.  It is my greatest hope that every teacher that uses MindUP™ will find it beneficial in their work and their life.  ~Goldie Hawn”

Welcome to the Mindful Words Challenge at WG, where we will be teaming up to incorporate mindfulness and teaching children the definitions of mindful words as well as introducing them daily to the core practice of the MindUP™curriculum.
MindUP™ is a way of teaching that provides a richer learning experience for students and returns the joy of teaching to teachers. This program helps improve student focus, improves classroom communication, and creates harmony in the classroom.”

MindUP™ is one of the most research based social emotional learning programs available and we are beyond excited to support our students in bringing these practices into our classrooms in a fun and engaging way.  Each week our parents receive a teacher’s guide and the word of the week by Lacey, our WG Mindfulness Educator.  The very core of this program is the Core Practice which Lacey calls the “Brain Train” for our students.  By incorporating these three daily practices the students will have consistency in expecting these mindful moments throughout the day.

Brain Train

Here is what it looks like

Start of Day

Everyone gathers in a circle sitting criss-cross-applesauce with a zipped up straight spine.  We do three rounds of belly breathing together.  Using a breathing ball is a good way to keep younger children’s awareness.  Ring Bell and invite children to close their eyes or focus on their hands.  Once everyone has settled say the affirmation and word for the week. Invite the children to repeat it in their minds.  Slowly, say the definition of the word 3x while practicing controlled breathing.  Ring Bell and invite children to open their eyes back on you or breathing ball and practice controlled breathing one more time together.

Before Lunchtime

Everyone gather in a circle sitting criss cross applesauce with a zipped up straight spine.  Do three rounds of belly breathing together.  Using a breathing ball is a good way to keep younger children’s awareness.  Ring Bell and invite children to close their eyes or focus on their hands.  Once everyone has settled say the affirmation and word for the week. Invite the children to repeat it in their minds.  Slowly, say the definition of the word 3x while practicing controlled breathing.  Ring Bell and invite children to open their eyes back on you or breathing ball and practice controlled breathing one more time together.

End of Day

Everyone gather in a circle sitting criss cross applesauce with a zipped up straight spine. Do three rounds of belly breathing together.  Using a breathing ball is a good way to keep younger children’s awareness.  Ring Bell and invite children to close their eyes or focus on their hands.  Once everyone has settled say the definition and word for the week. Invite the children to repeat it in their minds.  Slowly, say the definition of the word 3x while practicing controlled breathing.  Ring Bell and invite children to open their eyes back on you or breathing ball and practice controlled breathing one more time together.