MindUP

 

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH MINDUP

 

At Oldmixon Primary School we are proud to be part of the growing network of MindUP schools who promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our whole school community.

 

THE CURRICULUM

 

The unique evidence-based framework provides knowledge and understanding of neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and mindful practices to affect positive change within the classroom and beyond.The 15-lesson curriculum includes practices developed to help children improve their focus, manage their emotions and face challenges with resilience, kindness and compassion.

 

The MindUP lessons are complemented by the ‘Brain Break’. This core mindful breathing exercise which takes place three times a day, enables pupils and staff to calm their minds, focus and get ready to learn.

 

The interactive teaching and learning approaches, complemented by whole-school mindful practices, help create an exciting learning environment within which children can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

 

 

OUR SHARED VISION

 

MindUP is central to our strategic vision, it supports us to create a whole-school culture of gratitude, optimism, happiness and respect within which we can all grow and flourish.

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

 

For further details about the MindUP programme, including research findings, the curriculum overview and case studies, visit mindup.org.uk

 

 

 

What is a “Brain Break”?

  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 this themselves to stop, breathe and think before they act. 

 

MindUP lessons

There are 15 MindUP lessons in total. 

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 they 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)

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

 

How Our Brains Work

 

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)

Our hippocampus stores all our memories. When something happens to make us smile, our hippocampus will save that happy memory!

 

If you would like an further information please visit:  www.mindup.org.uk