Introduction
Early childhood is a critical period for developing social-emotional competencies. Yoga and mindfulness practices (YMP) have gained popularity in educational settings as tools for enhancing these skills. A systematic review titled Yoga and Mindfulness Interventions for Preschool-Aged Children in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review explores the impact of these practices on preschoolers, revealing promising outcomes for improving self-regulation and executive function.
The Promise of Yoga and Mindfulness
The review analyzed 16 studies, finding that 13 reported improvements in social-emotional domains such as behavioral self-regulation, emotion regulation, and executive function. Programs implemented for at least six weeks showed better results, particularly for children with lower baseline social-emotional functioning.
Key Findings
- Behavioral Self-Regulation: The Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task was commonly used to measure improvements, with positive results in most studies.
- Emotion Regulation: Results were mixed, indicating a need for further research to understand the impact on managing affective states.
- Executive Function: Studies showed mixed outcomes, with some positive effects on working memory and planning.
- Attentional Capacities: Most studies reported improvements in attention-related skills, suggesting YMP can enhance focus and concentration.
Implementing Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools
For practitioners looking to integrate YMP into early childhood settings, the review suggests focusing on longer program durations and tailoring interventions to children with lower baseline skills. Educators can embed these practices within existing social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula to maximize benefits.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review highlights the potential of YMP, it also calls for more rigorous studies to understand how these interventions work and for whom they are most effective. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research to refine and validate these promising educational tools.
Conclusion
Yoga and mindfulness hold significant promise for enhancing social-emotional development in preschoolers. By implementing these practices thoughtfully and continuing research efforts, educators can foster better outcomes for young children, preparing them for future academic and social success.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Yoga and Mindfulness Interventions for Preschool-Aged Children in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review.
