This is one of my all-time favourites – a modern take on an age-old experiment titled the Standford marshmallow experiment, a series of studies on delayed gratification in the 1960s and 70s led by researched Walter Mischel.  The gist of the study is that children were offered a single yummy reward (marshmallow) immediately or two if they waited for a prolonged period (approximately 15 minutes).  The majority of the kiddos were able to delay gratification and double their treat.  Those that delayed gratification utilized some pretty creative processes to help them avoid caving in – have a watch and you’ll see!

But the interesting stuff surfaced in follow-up studies and what was discovered in the two groups several years later.  Those that delayed gratification in the experiment were found to have better life outcomes, be more competent in school and score higher on the SATs.

Wait a second though.  Focus on just one thing here.  Students who were able to delay gratification at a young age were more competent in school.

So what are we doing with our youngest learners to help them self-regulate and own and control their feelings, emotions and urges?

Hm.  Good question.

Make your Monday meaningful y’all.