Elementary School

TestEdge^® (Grades 3-5)

The TestEdge^® supplemental learning program helps students understand how emotions and attitudes are affecting their academic work. Positive outcomes include improved test scores, learning readiness, attitudes and behaviors. Many young students are unprepared for the pressure of state-required exams and can become emotionally and/or physically upset weeks in advance. As a result, their ability to learn new information and to recall and use what they have already learned is greatly inhibited. With TestEdge tools and strategies, students learn to overcome test anxiety and discouragement, develop test-taking skills and improve listening and focusing and memory recall. TestEdge includes three evidence-based HeartMath self-regulation tools which students step back from situations to find new options and solutions; neutralize strong emotions, and adjust unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. TestEdge is easy to use and integrates effortlessly into regular curriculums. Each lesson in TestEdge for grades 3-5 is presented on a photo lesson card that includes fully scripted lesson plans for teaching the core concepts. Click for full description or the theoretical basis of TestEdge.

"All 4th grades have completed the program, and our parents are singing its praises. Parents report that kids are ‘Freeze-Framing’ before dance or sporting performances, when fighting with a sibling, and on and on! Our statewide writing scores came back, and once again we are #1 in the stat). Through this program, our kids really take control of their emotions and channel things in a positive direction." – Amanda Travis Simon, fourth-grade math/language arts teacher, Pine View School, Sarasota, Florida

HeartSmarts^® Grades 3-5

Helping Students Bridge Academic and Emotional Learning

HeartSmarts^® is a social and emotional learning program that teaches upper-elementary students how to manage stress, improve learning and strengthen relationships. Based on the Institute of HeartMath’s cutting-edge research on the physiology of learning, students learn a core set of tools and strategies that become part of meaningful rituals and routines in the classroom, intervention group or after-school program.

HeartSmarts is organized into five modules. Short lessons within each module use experiential learning for problem-solving and collaborative discussion on topics related to school performance.

As with all HeartMath supplemental learning programs, a set of evidence-based emotion self-regulation techniques is at the center of the programs effectiveness. Through minimal practice and reflection, students develop "habits of the heart" that improve learner readiness, motivation, emotional and behavioral management and overall classroom climate. Learn more.

"As I began to make it part of our daily routine to get in sync for learning, it made both teaching and learning easier. The children are quite excited about their ability to feel better quickly when they get upset and calm themselves in stressful situations, instead of just reacting. I also noticed that my students are kinder to each other." – Evelyn Bradley, fifth-grade teacher

emWave^® Self-Regulation Education Technology (Grades 3 and up)

The emWave^® Desktop is an easy-to-use software program with a heart rhythm monitor. The system is based on learning to change the heart rhythm pattern, which reflects our emotional state, and create mental and emotional balance.

The emWave allows students to see how emotions and attitudes affect their heart-rhythm patterns in real time and confirms when they are able to shift their emotions into a more productive, resilient state.

Students learn to effectively manage their stress levels and negative emotions, leading to improved cognitive performance, learning ability, relationships and creativity. emWave has also become an important and fun part of classroom behavioral management and high-stakes test preparation.

The emWave includes several games that students play. Before advancing in the games, students must first learn to self-regulate and balance their emotional state. Click for the full description, theoretical basis, or information of site licenses.

"I use it a lot! When my kids are out of sorts, they go to the emWave center. All of them are able to quiet themselvesand get focused." –Kim Wise, third-grade teacher, Justina Road Elementary, Jacksonville, Florida