MINDFUL U PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

• The foundation of our Pre-K through 8th grade program is weekly small group yoga and mindfulness lessons attended by children and staff and taught by trained yoga and mindfulness instructors.

• The program is based on YogaKids and Paws B, which are both widely-used, secular, research-based, trauma-informed curricula for teaching children yoga and mindfulness practices using playful, interactive activities. Goals and activities within lessons are aligned with IDOE Standards for Social-Emotional Learning. The curriculum uses yoga and mindfulness practices to explicitly target self awareness, self regulation, critical thinking, and relationship building skills.

• Curriculum for the program of each organization is specifically developed by Mindful U to target the unique goals and needs of its members, and is revised and updated as needs evolve and participants progress. The program could include teacher in-services and weekly mindfulness sessions, and parent in-services.

MINDFUL U PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

• Begin with yoga-based movements, which strengthen children’s bodies and focus their attention to prepare their minds to practice mindfulness.

• Teach basic neuroscience/brain anatomy and the concept of neuroplasticity: that we can use practices to consciously grow our brains to support our self regulation, decision making and relationships, which in turn help us thrive in life.

• Seek participants’ input to shape activities and engage with their imagination so that each becomes a “co-creator” and understands why, how, and when to use the practices in their daily lives, both while at the organization and otherwise.