Mindfulness and Higher Executive Function in Children

Mindfulness has been associated with well-being and happiness in adults. And it is quite amazing that Dr. Maria Montessori recognized more than 100 years ago that young children need to be nurtured and taught this higher executive function. This led her to develop the “Silence Game.” 

In the “Silence Game,” children must sit, with eyes closed, and be as still as possible. Then after some time has passed, they focus carefully to be able to hear their names whispered from a place out of sight. When a child hears his or her name, they respond by getting up (gleefully, I might add) and going to the place to where they were called.  This continues until all children have heard their name called and respond in turn.

Even though Dr. Montessori did not use the terms “mindfulness” or “executive function,” she understood the deep connection between the mind and body. “The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality.” (The Absorbent Mind)

Some early childhood professionals now talk about “executive functions” of a child as being the better predictor of school readiness and success than even I.Q.

There is a Montessori term called “normalization,” which is used to describe the process of nurturing children in the well-prepared environment, designed to develop the desirable traits of respectfulness, awareness, empathy and the ability to work independently. The Montessori-prepared environment is calm and orderly, designed to encourage patience and self-control. Materials gradually increase in difficulty, requiring that children focus intently to remember the steps from the previous lesson.  

The list of reasons why mindfulness is beneficial to children is long, with benefits ranging from physical, emotional, psychological and relational health. Some of the benefits include the following:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Better sleep
• Less irritation and agitation
• Relief in muscle tension
• Feelings of peace, calm, and harmony
• Increased concentration, focus, attention, and self-control
• Increased patience, empathy, kindness, and compassion
• Greater self-esteem, confidence, and motivation

Children (and adults) who have developed high levels of executive function have better coping skills to work independently and productively, with longer periods of concentration and working memory, and they are able to solve complex problems using good planning and reasoning skills.

This is another example of Dr. Montessori’s innovative forward-thinking, still benefiting children today. New theories, opinions, and catchy buzzwords will continue to become popular as time goes on, while the Montessori philosophy has remained committed to the mind-body connection that is proving to be quite timeless.

Cynthia Thomas founded her first Montessori school in Brevard County in 1983. She now operates five schools throughout Florida. She discovered Montessori’s unique approach when her children attended a school in Hawaii. She received her masters in education specializing in Montessori from Charminade University in Hawaii.

Read more in our DIGITAL MAGAZINE.