As parents, our primary responsibility is to ensure that our children are equipped with the necessary skills to be successful in life. One of the most important skills to impart in our children is emotional intelligence, or EQ. The MindUp program is an innovative, evidence-based curriculum that teaches children about neuroscience, empathy and mindfulness, equipping them with the comprehensive toolkit of skills they need to manage their emotions and cope better with life.
This article will cover the following questions about teaching your child MindUP in the context of homeschooling: What is MindUP? What are the benefits of MindUP?
What are the principles and elements of MindUP? How can I incorporate MindUP into homeschooling?
What are the best practices for teaching MindUP at home? How can I help my child with self-regulation and emotional regulation? How do I teach social and emotional learning to my child in the homeschool setting?
What are the best online resources to support MindUP teaching in homeschool? What support materials can I draw on when teaching MindUP in homeschool?
What is MindUP?
MindUP is an evidence-based, neuroscience-informed program designed to help children learn valuable social and emotional skills. Developed by the The Hawn Foundation, MindUP empowers children to become more self-aware, resilient, and compassionate.
This in turn helps them develop better relationships and find success in school and life. MindUp’s key approach is “The Brain Break” and “The MindUP Curriculum” which are integrated into classroom instruction. The Brain Break provides children a brief interlude of mindfulness and other practices to promote self-regulation and model attention control.
Through this, children are given the skills to manage their emotions, intensely focus, and tap into the power of positive thinking. The MindUP curriculum focuses on five key aspects which are Attention, Reflection, Insight, Kindness, and Optimism (ARIKO).
Through activities and lessons that tie into ARIKO, children gain valuable skills and knowledge to help give them more control over their thoughts and actions.
What are the Benefits of MindUP?
MindUP has been shown to have numerous benefits for children. It has been found to decrease stress and anxiety, enhance problem-solving skills, improve positive attitude and self-esteem, and help children become more aware of their emotions and the emotions of others.
In addition, MindUP has been found to reduce symptoms of ADHD and help children with impulse control by helping them recognize that their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are linked. The benefits of MindUP extend beyond the classroom. MindUP has been shown to help promote better sleep, healthier eating habits, and improved concentration, all of which are essential for successful learning.
What Are the Principles and Elements of MindUP?
MindUP is founded on five core principles which are essential for children’s success: attention, awareness, appreciation, intention, and emotion. The core element of each is further broken down into smaller concepts that help children understand the world around them—such as gaining perspective, mastering self-soothing, and understanding how their behavior affects others.
To supplement the principles, MindUP also draws on the five cognitive stages of learning which encompass developing a problem statement, understanding the problem, searching for solutions, evaluating potential solutions, and acting upon the best solution. This helps children understand what is expected of them, develop decision making skills, and think objectively about their choices.
How Can I Incorporate MindUP into Homeschooling?
As a homeschool parent, you can incorporate MindUP into your lesson plans in a variety of ways. You can start by integrating the MindUP principles into the home environment through activities such as implementing “brain breaks” and building other mindful practices into your family’s daily routines.
When it comes to lesson plans, you could incorporate MindUP through activities such as role-playing, journaling, and board games. These activities can help your children develop important skills such as problem solving, self-regulation, and conflict resolution. You could also take advantage of the many MindUP resources available online and on social media.
In addition to the specific activities, it is important to maintain an overall atmosphere of mindfulness in your homeschool environment. This could mean setting aside a designated time and space for mindfulness activities, such as meditation and mindful eating, or writing down the day’s lessons and setting goals for the future.
What Are the Best Practices for Teaching MindUP at Home?
There are a few best practices to consider when teaching MindUP at home. It is important to start small, setting aside just a few minutes each day for mindful activities or lessons.
Gradually build up as your child gains confidence and familiarity with the concepts. It is also important to be patient, teaching at your child’s pace and providing extra support as needed. Be sure to encourage your child to practice self-regulation and emotional regulation, while also acknowledging and validating their accomplishments.
Finally, create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which your child feels safe to express themselves and take risks.
How Can I Help My Child With Self-Regulation and Emotional Regulation?
There are a number of ways to help your child develop self-regulation and emotional regulation skills. Begin by modelling positive behaviours and showing your child how to regulate their emotions and deal with stress in a constructive manner.
You can also teach and practice calming strategies such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, which help to reduce stress and provide a sense of emotional balance. It is also important to encourage your child to take responsibility for their own emotions and behaviour. This could include teaching your child to express their feelings in constructive ways or helping them understand the consequences of their actions.
How Do I Teach Social and Emotional Learning to My Child in the Homeschool Setting?
Teaching social and emotional learning in the homeschool setting can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Start by teaching the fundamentals of positive relationships and communication, such as simple exercises like role-playing or giving compliments. You can also draw on MindUP’s elemental activities, such as “The Pause Button” and “The Body Scan.
” Another great way to teach social and emotional learning is through books and stories. Share stories that focus on emotional intelligence and discuss characters’ behaviour, how they might have acted differently, and how the outcomes could have been different.
You can also use your local community and online resources such as Ted talks and mindfulness apps to further enhance your child’s social and emotional learning.
What Are the Best Online Resources to Support MindUP Teaching in Homeschool?
There are a number of online resources that can support your MindUP teaching in homeschool. The MindUP website has dozens of helpful activities and lesson plans that you can use in the homeschool setting. MindUp also has an array of mindful activities for kids on its YouTube channel.
In addition, local organizations such as school districts and community centers often offer MindUP certified training to help educators and parents better understand the curriculum. The Hawn Foundation also has several online resources to support MindUP teaching in homeschool, such as the MindUP Basics Learning Path and the Brain Break of the Day.
You can access free webinars and online trainings on the Hawn Foundation’s website, as well as a list of recommended books and activities to further supplement your teaching.
What Support Materials Can I Draw On When Teaching MindUP in Homeschool?
In addition to the online resources already mentioned, there are several other support materials available when teaching MindUP in homeschool. You can find comprehensive tools on the MindUP website such as lesson plans, classroom resources, videos, and building the brain. The Hawn Foundation also has a number of resources specifically for homeschoolers, such as the MindUP Home Implementation Guide and MindUP Home Resources.
These materials provide step-by-step instructions to creating an effective homeschool curriculum and helping your children practice MindUP in their everyday lives.
Conclusion
MindUP is a comprehensive curriculum designed to help children develop important social and emotional skills. As a homeschool parent, you can incorporate MindUP into your lesson plans in a variety of ways, from incorporating the principles into the home environment to using resources such as “The Pause Button” and “The Body Scan”.
Additionally, it is important to maintain an overall atmosphere of mindfulness in your homeschool environment. Through the use of various online resources and support materials, parents can help their children gain valuable skills in the area of emotional intelligence.