Enhancing Preschoolers’ Self-regulation via Mindful Yoga
An increasing pool of research suggests self-regulation is key for 'school readiness' as it leads to improved peer acceptance, social skills and academic performance.
Clancy Blair (Prof. Of Cognitive Psychology, Dept. of Applied Psychology, NYU) in a paper titled 'School Readiness and Self-Regulation' states:
'Self-regulation abilities allow for engagement in learning activities and provide the foundation for adjustment to school'
In 2015, a year-long US study sort to assess the impact of a mindfulness-based Yoga intervention in promoting self-regulation among preschool children aged 3–5 years old.
The study involved 29 children,16 participated in a mindful Yoga programme whilst 13 formed the 'control' group.
To assess the children's regulation skills, parent reports and assessments were completed. The results indicated the following:
1. The assessments showed significant effects of the mindful Yoga intervention on all three indices of self-regulation i.e. Attention, delay of gratification and inhibitory control.
2. Some evidence showed that the children who were most at risk of self-regulation dysfunction benefited the most from the mindful Yoga intervention.
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| Attending to a feather - Taking a 'mindful moment' in a Tatty Bumpkin session |
Tatty Bumpkin is Ready for School
Children Inspired by Yoga-Tatty Bumpkin Ltd have developed a 4-week programme to specifically foster the skills a child needs to feel strong and ready for school.
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| Concentrating on Seagull pose! |
The sessions, developed by educationalists, Yoga teachers and paediatric physiotherapists, comprise of Yoga-inspired poses, bespoke music and multi-sensory props. Whilst immersed in a Yoga adventure story children are presented with a fun filled opportunity to develop not only their self-regulation skills but also their physical, social and communication skills. Find your Tatty Bumpkin Teacher at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/classes/find-class.html
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if your body feels right, your mind feels right..
'Tatty Bumpkin I love you!" |
References:
Blair C, Raver CC. School Readiness and Self-Regulation: A Developmental Psychobiological Approach. Annual review of psychology. 2015;66:711-731. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010814-015221.
Razza, Rachel A., Dessa Bergen-Cico, and Kimberly Raymond. “Enhancing preschoolers’ self-regulation via mindful yoga.” Journal of Child and Family Studies 24.2 (2015): 372-385.
