What is MindUP?

The MindUP programme is a series of 15 lessons and activities which every class will do throughout the year to help children to:

• learn better
• understand their own emotions and feelings
• be more positive and get on better with each other

Every day children will do three "Brain Breaks" in class. "Brain Breaks" are deep breathing exercises which children do to help them calm down and prepare them for learning in lessons.

To find out more, see the website. http://www.thehawnfoundation.co.uk/mindup

What is a “Brain Break”?

Pause. Listen. Breathe. It can take less than a minute to tell our minds to relax and focus.

“Brain Breaks” are short listening and breathing exercises which children are taught to help them calm down and get ready to learn.

Once they have learnt the breathing exercise, they can use them independently to stop, breathe and think before they act.

MindUP lessons

Unit 1: Getting Focused (Lessons 1-3)

Children are taught about the different parts of their brain and how they work.

They are taught about “Brain Breaks” and how to do them.

Unit 2: Sharpening Your Senses (Lessons 4-9)

Children learn about how their senses work, their moving bodies and the way they think.

Unit 3: It’s All About Attitude (Lessons 10-12)

Children learn how to understand each other and how to be more positive.

Unit 4: Taking Action Mindfully (Lessons 13-15)

1. learn to show gratitude and small acts of kindness in and outside of the classroom.

Please click on the links below for more information regarding each unit. Each documents has some great ideas for using the programme at home.

The different parts of the brain:

Amygdala (The Guard Dog)

Our amygdala keeps us safe by reacting quickly if we are in danger. The amygdala is the emotional part of the brain. When we are angry or upset, our amygdala can stop us from making sensible decisions.

Prefrontal Cortex or PFC (The Wise Owl)

Our PFC helps us to think, learn and make good choices.

Hippocampus (Memory Saver)