It's a Great Day to Be Here and Now-
Dr. Mark Greenberg, Director of the Prevention Research Center at Penn State University, reminds us that, “Because the emotional centers of the brain are very connected to the thinking and learning centers of the brain, we know that people who are better able to control their emotions and moods are effective learners” (2004). There is no better gift to give a child so that they are ready to succeed in school and in life.
Recently there have been significant efforts to use mindfulness techniques to promote emotional control and other learning to learn skills in young children. These techniques develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-control and self-understanding. Mindfulness is being aware of and attentive to the experiences in the present moment. The Here Now Know-How songs promote mindfulness in several ways. First they guide children’s self-talk to positive affirmations about themselves, others and the world. Secondly, they give children the experience of control over their sensations, thoughts and feelings. And thirdly, they help children deal with negative feelings and experiences.The songs develop focused attention on experiences in the present moment and focused intention on positive self-talk and self-image. Mindfulness helps a child control their reactions to stress, develop concentration and memory and be ready to respond optimally to learning opportunities. A mindful child is aware, attentive and happy.
