The Effects of Experience Provision Using Mandala Technique Through Natural Materials on Self-Regulation of Young Children

Abstract

Background and Aims: When children enter school, self-regulation skills are crucial as they enable children to manage their learning behaviors and interact effectively with others. Good self-regulation plays a significant role in academic success, school adjustment, and lifelong learning. These skills are essential for laying a strong foundation, starting from infancy to the age of two. This research aims to investigate the impact of experience-based activities utilizing the mandala technique with natural materials on self-regulation skills.

Methodology: The population for this study consists of 10 boys and girls aged 5–6 years, who are currently studying in Kindergarten 3, Semester 2, Academic Year 2023, at Prep Montessori International School, Bangkok. The research instruments include: (1) Lesson plans for experience-based activities using the mandala technique with natural materials. And (2) An observation checklist for recording self-regulation behaviors and an evaluation form to assess the self-regulation behaviors of young children based on the activities conducted using the mandala technique with natural materials.    

Results: Young children demonstrated improvements in all three aspects of self-regulation skills —self-monitoring, emotional control, and attention focus — after participating in experience-based activities using the mandala technique with natural materials. During the activities, the children completed tasks aligned with the predetermined goals.

Conclusion: Young children who participated in experience-based activities using the mandala technique with natural materials showed higher overall self-regulation skills, as well as improvements in each specific aspect, after the intervention compared to before the intervention.