Lessons on feelings and self-control: kids a bit more keen in class for years
HelpedThe short version
After lessons on feelings and self-control, kids were rated a bit keener in class than others up to 5th grade.
- 356
- preschool children in low-income US families
- Randomised
- groups picked at random
- Self-rated
- people rated themselves
- 2 tools
- tested
The study
Who took part
356 children aged 4 to 5 in 44 Head Start preschool classes in Pennsylvania, USA. Most came from low-income families.
What they did
For one preschool year, teachers gave weekly lessons on friends, feelings, self-control and solving problems. They also did daily shared reading, sound games and letter play. Coaches visited each week, and parents got take-home packs. The other classes carried on as usual.
What happened
Teachers rated children from these classes as a little more keen to learn. This small gap lasted up to 5th grade. The rating also counted how well children paid attention, and only teachers gave it.
What the study found
- Helped
After lessons on feelings and self-control, kids were rated a bit keener in class than others up to 5th grade.
- Action: Notice the unpleasant feeling and start anywaytested
- Action: Solve problems step by steptested
- Rule: With a coach or therapistused
Randomised trial of 356 preschool children in low-income US families · vs children in usual Head Start classes · they rated themselves · ⚠ whole groups were assigned, not people
How solid is this?
- Groups picked at random
- People rated themselves
- Whole groups were assigned, not people
Source
Sustained effects of a school readiness intervention: 5th grade outcomes of the Head Start REDI program (2020)
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.03.009 (opens in a new tab)
