Contemplative practices in early childhood: implications for self-regulation skills and school readiness

Abstract

This article examines the development of self-regulation skills in early childhood and the possibilities of children's contemplative practices as a viable tool to facilitate this development. Current research indicates that self-regulation skills in early childhood education make a significant contribution to school readiness, and long-term academic success. This link establishes the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and classroom practice to implement more programmes that facilitate this development in early childhood classrooms. The development of self-regulation skills are discussed and examined specifically in relation to being mindful, achieving focussed attention and increased awareness of social–emotional behaviours. The contemplative practices, an umbrella term for mindfulness and meditational-based practices, are viewed as potential vehicles to facilitate self-regulation skills in the early childhood classrooms. Additional research is recommended to determine whether children exposed to these programmes will demonstrate more appropriate social–emotional behaviours, including enhancing children's self-regulation skills leading to long-term academic success.

Keywords:

• early childhood
• mindfulness
• self-regulation
• school readiness
• meditation

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Willis is a PhD student at Florida International University. Prior to obtaining her PhD, Willis was an early childhood educator for 10 years. Her research interests include children's self-regulation skills, school readiness, mindfulness and meditation techniques for early childhood children and educators, and pre-service teacher training programs.

Laura H. Dinehart is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University. Her research interests include fine-motor handwriting in early childhood, school readiness and developmental outcome of children from high-risk environments, including children in the child welfare system.