Recommended Approach

In its fullest format the Mindful Parents & Kids Belly Buddy program is a robust mindfulness and brain science learning and meditation training course for students in Grades 1 - 6.  However, it is recommended that you repeat the program with students more than once, and that the first trip through the program focuses on the basic program format, as it is outlined on each lesson page of the website.  This means that you will NOT attempt to integrate any of the additional (optional) activities.  This will allow you to get started immediately regardless of whether you have any previous experience with mindfulness and meditation, and will place the focus on helping students to develop their familiarity with mindfulness routines and practices, without overwhelming them with too much information up-front.  

Once you have completed your first trip through the program, begin again.  You should immediately notice how much smoother the program feels the second time through now that the students are experienced with their mindful body posture and routines.  At this point it is recommended that you introduce the journaling, ‘Deep Dive Learning’, etc., where appropriate.

If your own experience with mindfulness and meditation is limited, this approach will allow you to learn with your students as they move through the program.  If you wish to deepen your knowledge as you move through the program, some recommended first steps include:

• Review the ‘Background’ information included in the detailed Lesson Plan

• Review the Deep Dive Learning Q & A in the Grades 4 - 6 Additional Activities section 

• Listen to the Parents’ Program Lesson

• Practice the meditations designed for Parents available on the website

• If you are a Grade 1 - 3 teacher, listen to the Grade 4 - 6 Belly Buddy Lesson & Meditation