Embedding Mindfulness Into Early Childhood Classroom Routines: A Practical Strategy for Teachers

Abstract

Mindfulness in early childhood learning environments cultivates self-awareness, emotional regulation, and cognitive focus, fostering a conducive atmosphere for social-emotional development and academic readiness.

Disclosure Statement:

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Sameroff, A. (1975). Transactional models in early social relations. Human Development, 18(1-2), 65-79.

2 Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Random House.

3 Hartigan, B. F. (2017). Mindfulness in teacher education: A constructivist approach to stress reduction for teacher candidates and their students. Childhood Education, 93(2), 153-158.

4 Beers Dewhirst, C., & Goldman, J. (2020). Launching motivation for mindfulness: Introducing mindfulness to early childhood preservice teachers. Early Child Development and Care, 190(8), 1299-1312.

5 Trube, B. (2017). Mindfulness practices in mentoring and teaching. Childhood Education, 93(2), 159-167.

6 Duncan, L. G., Coatsworth, J. D., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). A model of mindful parenting: Implications for parent-child relationships and prevention research. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 12(3), 255-270.

7 Becker, B. D., Gallagher, K. C., & Whitaker, R. C. (2017). Teachers’ dispositional mindfulness and the quality of their relationships with children in Head Start classrooms. Journal of School Psychology, 65, 40-53.

8 Lee, R. L. T., Lane, S. J., Tang, A. C. Y., Leung, C., Kwok, S. W. H., Louie, L. H. T., Browne, G., & Chan, S. W. C. (2020). Effects of an unstructured free play and mindfulness intervention on well-being in kindergarten students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5382.

9 Janz, P., Dawe, S., & Wyllie, M. (2019). Mindfulness-based program embedded within the existing curriculum improves executive functioning and behavior in young children: A waitlist controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2052.

10 Routhier-Martin, K., Roberts, S. K., & Blanch, N. (2017). Exploring mindfulness and meditation for the elementary classroom: Intersections across current multidisciplinary research. Childhood Education, 93(2), 168-175.

11 Lederer, S. H. (2018). Mindful attention activities to support shared book reading. Young Exceptional Children, 21(4), 216-227.