We have started the MindUPTM program in our grades 1-3 classes. It is a classroom-based social emotional learning (SEL) program designed to enhance a child’s self-awareness, social awareness, focussed attention, self regulation, problem solving, pro-social behaviours (helping, sharing and cooperating) and positive human qualities such as happiness, optimism and altruism. Research has shown that students who participate in SEL programs like MindUPTM enhance their overall learning potential and the resulting positive behaviours lead to lower dropout rates, a decrease in anxiety and depression rates, a decrease in classroom conduct problems and increased academic success.

MindUPTM was created to help children understand the ways their minds work, how their thoughts and feelings affect their behaviour. It has four goals:

1. To foster mindful focussed awareness;
2. To increase positive human qualities such as empathy, perspective-taking, helpfulness and kindness;
3. To increase optimism and well-being, and
4. To foster a cohesive, caring classroom climate.

The MindUPTM program is informed by the latest scientific research in the fields of cognitive neuroscience, social emotional learning and positive psychology.

Through a series of simple lessons, students learn strategies to calm their minds, focus their attention and become more aware of themselves, others and their environment. Each lesson also teaches students about their brain (anatomy and function) and how they can positively influence their own brain development. Along with the classroom lessons, there is a short, three times a day practice of calming the mind through focussed breathing and listening.

I hope that as the program is implemented in the classroom, you will talk to your child about what they are learning about focussing on attention, social emotional learning and brain development.

If you would like to learn more about the research around social emotional learning, please visit www.casel.org.