MindUP | Beach Cities Health District

MindUP

Currently delivered in all K-5 elementary schools in the Beach Cities

MindUP is an evidence-based program grounded in neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and social-emotional learning. MindUP consists of 15 lessons that are tailored to a child’s age group and developmental level. Delivered by a teacher in the classroom, MindUP provides an immersive discovery experience and daily practices to shift a child’s perspective, drive positive behavior and improve learning and scholastic performance.

MindUP at Home
To go along with distance learning due to COVID-19, MindUP lessons for the 2020-2021 academic year are being converted into video format. These videos are tailored to fit two age groups: Grades TK- 2nd and Grades 3rd-5th. In addition, accompanying handouts are included with each lesson plan. You can find videos and handouts below as they become available.

Lesson 1: How Our Brains Work

Video Lesson (Grades K-2)
Parent Handout (Grades K-2)
Student Handout (Grades K-2)
Video Lesson (Grades 3-5)
Parent Handout (Grades 3-5)
Student Handout (Grades 3-5)

Lesson 2: Mindful Awareness

Video Lesson (Grades K-2)
Parent Handout (Grades K-2)
Student Handout (Grades K-2)
Video Lesson (Grades 3-5)
Parent Handout (Grades 3-5)
Student Handout (Grades 3-5)

The Four MindUP Pillars
Following are additional at-home activities within the four MindUP pillars:

	Neuroscience Students learn about their brain, what mindfulness is and how to focus their attention with a brain break. Parent Activity 1: The MindUP Brain, Practicing Mindful Listening and Practicing Mindful Seeing Parent Activity 2: The “Core Practice”
	Mindful Awareness To fully engage and immerse in the present, students learn how to activate mindful listening, seeing, smelling, tasting, touch and movement. Parent Activity 3: Practicing Mindful Smelling and Tasting Parent Activity 4: Practicing Mindful Movement
	Positive Psychology Students learn the importance of perspective-taking, choosing optimism and savoring happy experiences. Parent Activity 5: Perspective Taking and Choosing Optimism
	Social-Emotional Learning By acting with gratitude and kindness, students learn to take mindful action and create connections between themselves and others. Parent Activity 6: Appreciating Happy Experiences, Performing Acts of Kindness, Taking Mindful Action in the World and Expressing Gratitude

General Mindfulness Tips for Parents
One of the best ways to teach our children to be mindful is to embody mindfulness ourselves.

Incorporate your own brain breaks three times a day to improve focus, memory and stay calm under stress.
Think affirmations to yourself like “May I be happy” and “May I be strong.”
If you need some guidance in mindful breathing, search for various mindfulness apps to follow along with on your phone.
If you find yourself getting caught up in your emotions or that of others, practice the R.A.I.N. exercise. Recognize what is happening in a calm, accepting manner. Accept life as it is. Investigate how it is making you feel. Non-identification; realize these feelings are fleeting and don’t define who you are.

Mindful parenting can improve parent-child relationships and reduce stress for both the parent and child.

Limit your phone use when you’re with your child.
Spend time reading, creating art and talking with your child, rather than watching TV.
If you’re upset, S.T.O.P. Stop. Take a breath. Observe. Proceed.
Teach and practice forgiveness. It’s important to note and address a problem, but it is also important to realize it is temporary and will pass.

MindUP Booster Lessons
In 2018, we piloted a program which included booster lessons to supplement the MindUP lessons taught in the classroom. The booster lesson plans and accompanying handouts are found below and can be used to complement your at-home MindUP activities.

2019-2020: Lesson Plans & Handouts (prepared for in-class use)

Lesson A: Mindful Observation (Grades TK-1)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation (Grades 2-3)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation (Grades 4-5)

Lesson B: Mindful Listening (Grades TK–1)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening (Grades 2–3)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening (Grades 4–5)

Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude (Grades TK-1)
L esson C: Handout: Expressing Gratitude (Grades TK–1)
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude (Grades 2–3)
Lesson C: Handout: Mindful Drawing Handout (Grades 2–3)
Lesson C: Positive Vibes Meditation (Grades 4–5)
Lesson C: Handout Kindness Reflection Handout (Grades 4–5)

Lesson Videos & Handouts (prepared for at-home use)

Lesson A

Lesson A: Mindful Observation Video Lesson (Grades TK-1)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Parent Handout (Grades TK-1)

Lesson A: Mindful Observation Video Lesson Part 1 (Grades 2-3)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Video Lesson Part 2 (Grades 2-3)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Parent Handout (Grades 2-3)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Student Handout (Grades 2-3)

Lesson A: Mindful Observation Video Lesson Part 1 (Grades 4-5)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Video Lesson Part 2 (Grades 4-5)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Parent Handout (Grades 4-5)
Lesson A: Mindful Observation Student Handout (Grades 4-5)

Lesson B
Lesson B: Mindfuness Listening Video Lesson (Grades TK-1)
Lesson B: Mindfulness Listening Parent Handout (Grades TK-1)
Lesson B: Mindfulness Listening Student Handout (Grades TK-1)

Lesson B: Mindful Listening Video Lesson (Grades 2-3)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening Parent Handout (Grades 2-3)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening Student Handout (Grades 2-3)

Lesson B: Mindful Listening Video Lesson (Grades 4-5)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening Parent Handout (Grades 4-5)
Lesson B: Mindful Listening Student Handout (Grades 4-5)