Master Mind Journal: A Program for Elementary Students

The Master Mind program, a new substance abuse prevention program designed specifically for 4th and 5th grade children, has been implemented in two elementary schools with impressive results. The program's structure and content have received high praise from both teachers and students, indicating its feasibility and satisfaction.

One of the primary goals of the Master Mind program is to equip young students with the skills necessary to respond effectively to stress and make informed decisions about substance use. To assess the program's effectiveness, researchers randomly assigned 71 students to an intervention group and 40 students to a wait-list control group.

The results show that students who participated in the Master Mind program demonstrated significant improvements in executive functioning skills compared to those in the control group. Executive functioning skills are essential for making informed decisions, planning, and regulating one's behavior. Additionally, boys in the intervention group showed a marginally significant increase in self-control abilities.

The Master Mind program also yielded positive effects on social problems, aggression, and anxiety among both girls and boys. Specifically, girls who participated in the program showed significant reductions in anxiety compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that mindfulness education may play a crucial role in enhancing children's self-regulatory abilities and reducing problem behaviors.

The Master Mind program consists of four weeks of training and practice in mindfulness, which is taught by regular classroom teachers. At pre- and post-intervention time points, students completed self-reports of their intentions to use substances and an executive functioning performance task. Teachers also rated students on their behavior in the classroom, providing additional evidence of the program's effectiveness.

In conclusion, the Master Mind journal for elementary students is a valuable tool for schools seeking to promote healthy decision-making habits among young children. By implementing this program, teachers can help equip students with essential skills for navigating stress and making informed choices about substance use.

Mjournal for elementary students