Claudiane Moraes has been a school principal for the past 16 years; however, her career started in Brazil, inspired by her mother, a great educator with so much love and vocation for her profession. During her career, Claudiane was fortunate enough to experience a diversity of methodologies, philosophies, and schools, having the opportunity to pursue an A.A. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Physical Education along with a specialization in school management and ECE. For ten years, Claudiane been the founder principal for Key Point Christian Academy, and she aims to continue working diligently with families and faculty to foster an atmosphere that promotes a learning community characterized by child-centered experiences, trust, respect, and community involvement.
Mindfulness and core values are two important concepts that play a crucial role in the development of children. Mindfulness refers to the practice of being present at the moment and paying attention to one’s thoughts and emotions without judgment. On the other hand, core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a person’s behavior and decision-making. Both mindfulness and core values can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health, academic performance, and social relationships.
In recent years, there has been a growing body of research on the benefits of mindfulness for children. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices can help children manage stress and anxiety, improve attention and focus, and enhance emotional regulation (Galla, 2016). One study found that mindfulness training for children aged 8-10 years resulted in significant improvements in attention, working memory, and cognitive control (Flook et al., 2010).
Mindfulness practices can also be beneficial for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that mindfulness-based interventions can help reduce symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD (van de Weijer-Bergsma et al., 2012). Another study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms in children and adolescents (Biegel et al., 2009).
Core values are also crucial for children’s development. Research has shown that children who have a strong sense of values and ethics are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors and attitudes (Berkowitz, 2012). Core values can also provide children with a sense of purpose and direction, which can help them make better decisions and navigate challenging situations.
Teaching core values to children can be challenging, but there are several strategies that parents and educators can use to instill these values. One approach is to model the behavior and attitudes that you want to see in your children. Children often learn by example, so it’s important to demonstrate kindness, honesty, and other values in your own behavior. Another approach is to engage children in discussions about values and ethics. This can help children understand why certain behaviors are desirable and why others are not.
In addition to teaching core values, it’s also important to create a supportive and nurturing environment for children. Children who feel safe and loved are more likely to develop positive attitudes and behaviors. This can be achieved by providing children with opportunities to explore their interests, offering positive reinforcement for good behavior, and setting clear boundaries and expectations.
The combination of mindfulness and core values can be especially powerful in helping children develop into healthy, well-rounded individuals. By cultivating mindfulness, children can learn to manage their emotions and thoughts in a healthy way, which can help them develop resilience and cope with stress. By teaching core values, children can learn to make ethical and responsible decisions, which can help them navigate the complex social and ethical landscape of the world.
There are many different approaches to teaching mindfulness and core values to children. Some schools have incorporated mindfulness practices into their curricula, while others offer courses in ethics and values. Parents can also incorporate mindfulness and core values into their daily routines by practicing mindfulness together, engaging in ethical discussions, and modeling positive behaviors.
Ultimately, the importance of mindfulness and core values in child development cannot be overstated. By providing children with the tools and support they need to develop healthy attitudes and behaviors, we can help them become confident, compassionate, and responsible adults.
References:
- Berkowitz, M. W. (2012). The science of character education. In Handbook of research on schools, schooling, and human development (pp. 330-346). Routledge.
- Biegel, G. M., Brown, K. W., Shapiro, S. L., & Schubert, C. M. (2009). Mind