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.

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MindUP at Home
To go along with home learning due to COVID-19, MindUP Lesson A and Lesson C from the 2019-2020 academic year have been converted into video format. Lesson B is coming soon. Similar to in-class lessons, these video lessons have been tailored to fit three age groups: TK-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grades and 4th-5th grades. Also included are parent and student handouts that go along with each lesson plan. 

You can access all school-based, booster lessons in the section titled In-Class MindUP Booster Lesson Plans 2019-2020. 

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 Coming Soon!

Lesson C
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Video Lesson (Grades TK - 1)
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Parent Handout (Grades TK - 1)
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Student Handout (Grades TK - 1)

Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Video Lesson (Grades 2 - 3)
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Parent Handout (Grades 2 - 3)
Lesson C: Expressing Gratitude Student Handout (Grades 2 - 3)

Lesson C: Positive Vibes Meditation Video Lesson (Grades 4 - 5)
Lesson C: Positive Vibes Meditation Parent Handout (Grades 4 - 5)
Lesson C: Positive Vibes Meditation Student Handout (Grades 4 - 5)

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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

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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.

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In-Class 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. 

In-Class MindUP Booster Lesson Plans 2019-2020

• 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 Handout: Grateful Drawing Handout (Grades TK – 1)
• Lesson C: 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)​

In-Class MindUP Booster Lesson Plans 2018-2019

• Lesson 1: Turning on our Mindful Bodies (Grades K – 2)
• Lesson 1: Turning on our Mindful Bodies (Grades 3 – 5)
• Lesson 2: Mindful Movement (Grades K – 2)
• Lesson 2: Mindful Movement (Grades 3 – 5)
• Lesson 3: Mindful Senses (Grades K - 2)
• Lesson 3: Mindful senses (Grades 3 - 5)
• Lesson 4: All About Attitude (Grades K - 2)
• Lesson 4: All About Attitude (Grades 3 - 5)
• Lesson 5: Generating Gratitude (Grades K– 5)
• Lesson 5: I am Grateful for...

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Additional Resources

Websites

• South Bay Families Connected, Mindful Parenting
• Sesame Street Toolkits 
• Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley 
• Child Mind Institute, Mindfulness 
• UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center 

Videos

• “Developing a Growth Mindset” by Carol Dweck 
• “Teaching the ABCs of Attention, Balance and Compassion” by Susan Kaiser Greenland 
• “Just Breathe” by Julie Bayer Salzman and Josh Salzman 

Articles

• “Mindfulness for Children” by David Gelles 
• “Is mindfulness meditation good for kids? Here’s what the science actually says.” By Brian Resnick 
• “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do” by Amy Morin 

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For more information, please contact:
Tami Kachel, MPH
Events Associate
tami.kachel@bchd.org
310-374-3426, x161