Mind & Body

Holistic learning with “head, heart and hand”

The “You^th Start Entrepreneurial Challenges” programme regards learning as a holistic process: 

Learning holistic learning

In order to acquire new competences children and adolescents first need to learn how to learn. For this purpose we have compiled a wide range of tried and tested (learning) methods on index cards that can be implemented immediately in school lessons. These methods can help children and adolescents become experts on their own learning processes. Objectives include: the teaching of background knowledge about learning, the presentation of various learning techniques, instructions on how to formulate personal learning goals as well as the independent and self-confident assessment of learning progress. To help students get along with each other, the aspect of social learning is included as well. Empathy and successful communication play a key role in this context.

Activate & Concentrate

Physical activities that combine rhythmic exercises, kinaesthetic learning and tuina can help us activate our brain and improve our concentration because these movements challenge our brain and thereby enhance our coordination, our ability to think and our mental fitness. For some of these exercises, for instance, we produce various rhythms with “body percussion”, which lets us experience rhythm physically, mentally and emotionally. We use cross-lateral exercises to activate both hemispheres of the brain at the same time, thereby promoting the interplay of different abilities. This can for instance connect our powers of communication and analytical thinking (left side of the brain) with our emotions and our power of imagination (right side of the brain). You can download detailed instructions in PDF format for 23 physical exercises to activate your brain and/or improve your concentration. We also provide videos for all exercises so your students can join right in (apply the filter “Activate & Concentrate”).

Mindfulness

We also use mindfulness exercises to focus our perception and concentrate our attention on the present moment. This state of mind enables us to stay centred despite the sensory overload to which we are often exposed and to confront challenges in a more relaxed manner. Treating ourselves and others in a mindful manner enhances our emotional intelligence and is an essential factor in social cohesion. Neurological research shows that a mindful attitude to life improves our mental and physical health.

The You^th Start Mindfulness Programme “Why Mindfulness?” is a training programme designed for use in school lessons in which we use the Wheel of Mindfulness to guide us through the exercises. First, we consciously experience external perceptions with all our senses. Then we take a close look at our feelings and relationships. Finally, we learn to plan our next steps in a mindful manner and to consider the consequences for ourselves and others. We also present 8 short video clips of children at a Viennese school practising the mindfulness programme (apply the filter “mindfulness”). We hope you’ll enjoy our exercises!